Mumba to star in dancing on ice show

TWO of the hottest celebrities on ice, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, will include Samantha Mumba in a new team of well-known names competing for the ultimate live icedancing championship on TV3.

The Irish singer and actress joins this year’s12 contestants including javelin champion Steve Backley, teen soap Hollyoaks actor Chris Fountain, pop singer Gareth Gates, TV presenter Sarah Greene, Emmerdale actress Linda Lusardi, TV presenter and cleaning guru Aggie Mackenzie, TV presenter Natalie Pinkham, tennis star Greg Rusedski, singer and actress Suzanne Shaw, GMTV reporter Michael Underwood, and TV presenter Tim Vincent.

With expectation higher than ever, and performances set to be even more spectacular, the 12 novice skaters have their work cut out to make the grade. Paired with a champion skating partner, and coached by the superstar duo, they will take to the rink, hoping to impress with their glittering costumes, daring moves and slick routines.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby preside and each week the resident panel of expert judges will scrutinise every dance, hoping to be increasingly dazzled by the thrill, speed and grace of the live ice performance.

Jayne Torvill said: “It’s fantastic to be back after the success of the first series and we are looking forward to joining a new batch of celebrities on the ice.”

Christopher Dean said: “We have a great mix of stars from the worlds of sport, radio and TV who have the potential to match some of the outstanding talent we saw on the first series.”

With the bar raised, and competitiveness at a peak, how will the new celebrity skaters fare under the spotlight? lDancing on Ice begins on TV3 on Sunday, January 13, at 5.50pm.