Dancing on Ice 2019: What is Dancing on Ice really like? Stars spill secrets

Dancing on Ice continues this evening (Sunday, January 27) on ITV and only 10 contestants are left in the competition. The stars taking to the ice have no skating experience and come from different backgrounds including sport, acting, presenting and reality TV. So what is the competition really like? Read on to find out.

What is Dancing on Ice really like?

The contestants for Dancing on Ice was announced back in November 2018.

The stars then go through intensive one-to-one skating lessons before meeting their professional partner.

Once the skating pairs have been announced in mid-November partner training starts immediately.

The first live show aired on Sunday, January 6 and since then, the contestants only have a week to rehearse.

Professional contestant Dan Whiston spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about Dancing on Ice 2019.

He described the training process as “intense” and “consuming” for all of the stars.

Dan explained: “The celebrities have an initial 30 hours one-on-one skating lessons with a coach before meeting their professional skating partner.

“Once they’ve been paired up with their pro, that’s where the hard work really starts to kick in.

“During Dancing On Ice, you’ll often see a change in the celebrities physique, with them developing a toned up, nipped in figures which in turn boosts their self-confidence.”

He also joked: “It’s great when this happens because when they feel better about themselves they’ll go on to deliver a more confident performance when they’re wearing their skimpy sequinned outfit on a live show, and that’s just the boys…”

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Ex-Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton is taking part in this year’s Dancing on Ice.

Melody is paired with a newcomer to the show, professional Alexander Demetriou.

She echoed Dan’s thoughts, confessing exclusively to Express.co.uk: “The training for Dancing On Ice is intense. As soon as you feel you have a handle on it, it gets away from you.

“Mentally you have to try and stay calm and communication is key.”

She added: “The hardest challenge for me is determining my comfort level of performance from week to week.

“I may be able to do a trick in rehearsal but will I be able to pull it off on live telly.

“[It’s] very tough, because you want to do your best but not jeopardize the performance.

“I feel like I am in a cloud of concentration. I don’t know if I have a favourite moment just yet. It could be right around the corner.

“I had one bad fall that I’ve talked about. Touch wood, it’s all ok moving forward aside from the expected bumps and bruises.

“Currently, my toe is a bit numb which is likely from a nerve in my back. That’s about the worst of it for now.”

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Melody has excelled in the competition so far, scoring impressive points and being at the top end of the leaderboard for her previous two performances.

However, Melody along with contestant, Strictly professional James Jordan have received some criticism for taking part as they have a dancing background.

Dan commented: “I understand the argument that when a celebrity with a dance background competes on Strictly it’s unfair to the other celebrity contestants, however Dancing On Ice is a completely different situation.”

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Who will win Dancing on Ice 2019?

At the moment James Jordan and his partner Alexandra Schauman are is the favourites to win the competition across the bookies at odds of 6/4.

He is closely followed by Wes Nelson and Vanessa Bauer at odds of 7/4 at bet365, Skybet and Ladbrokes.

Sara Aalto and Hamish Gaman are the third favourites to win at odds of 8/1 at William Hill, Coral and Betfair.

Melody and Alexander are the fourth favourites to win at odds of 10/1.

Melody said: “I honestly think it’s anyone’s game. I’d love to make it that far. I do love skating and I’d love for my partner to have that success. He deserves it.”

Dan added: “I think predicting which celebrities will compete in the final just yet is another tough call, as everybody is doing so well at the moment.

“I think James Jordan and Melody Thornton are strong contenders for the final but that third spot could go to anybody at this point.

“In past series there have been injuries that have taken celebrities out of the competition or a celebrity has suddenly turned things around and raced up through the ranks to the top of the leaderboard.”

Dancing on Ice continues Sunday at 6pm on ITV

source: express.co.uk