Dancing on Ice: A Glimpse into the Popular Reality Show

Dancing on Ice is a UK reality television programme where celebrities skate on an ice surface with the help of professional figure skaters. The format is designed as a competition and has achieved impressive television viewership. This article will explore its background, concept, contestants, and judges in detail.

Overview of the show

The programme Skating on Ice was broadcast on ITV. Over the course of the season, contestants acquire and showcase a range of choreographed ice routines, highlighting their development and abilities to both the judges and the audience. The panel comprises notable figures, including not just sportspeople but also performers.

Season 17 marked the concluding season, and ITV/STV presently has no intentions to revive the show in 2026.

Background of the programme

Dancing on Ice was broadcast on British television from 2006 until 2014 and then again from 2018 to 2025. Initially, it was known as Skating with Celebrities.

In 2006, the programme achieved third place in the ratings among British TV shows, with the final episode of its inaugural season attracting approximately 13 million viewers.

The creative leaders behind the initiative were Olympic champions Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, who provided training for the contestants and participated in numerous performances.

Following the conclusion of the ninth series, the Olympic medalists declared their exit from the project.

In 2017, the show made a comeback on television, with Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby selected as the presenters.

In 2020, John Barrowman took over Jason Gardiner’s role as a judge, but in 2021, it was revealed that he would not be returning to the judging panel.

The 16th season of the programme premiered in 2024.

After Schofield’s exit from ITV in 2023, Stephen Mulhern stepped in as the co-host.

In 2025, the 17th season of the show was aired, likely marking the final chapter in the extensive history of this television programme.

Structure

Each week, celebrities paired with professional figure skaters showcase a dance routine on the ice. A judging panel, known as the ‘Ice Commission,’ consisting of 4 or 5 members (beginning from the 8th season), assigns scores to each performance ranging from 0 to 10 (in seasons 1-5, the scale was from 0 to 6). The outcomes of all performances contribute to a leaderboard, which, along with audience voting results, identifies the two pairs with the lowest scores. A pair that receives a low score from the judges may not necessarily finish last if the audience supports them with votes.
Once the voting results are compiled, the three pairs that rank lowest face off in a final contest referred to as the ‘Skate Off,’ where they perform an additional routine known as the Save-Me Skate. Unlike the main performances, this routine can be repeated if the pair participates in the Skate Off again. The judges then vote to determine which pairs will progress to the next round based on who they believe performed better. Each week, one couple is eliminated from the competition, although in season 7, due to numbering complications, two couples were eliminated in a single week. A similar occurrence took place in seasons 10, 11, and 14.
A live reunion event occurs seven days after each season concludes, where all the celebrities reflect on their experiences from the project and respond to questions posed by studio viewers.

Dancing on Ice

From seasons 1 to 8, participants were required to incorporate a specific element into their routines. This stipulation was lifted in season 9, which was designated as an ‘All-Star’ season. However, the rule was reinstated in season 10, which was termed ‘The Jury Challenge.’
It is also important to highlight the criteria for participant selection for the show:

1. At the time of application, prospective participants must be of legal age.
2. Only British citizens are eligible to participate in the project.
3. Prospective participants must be willing to attend auditions and be mentally and physically prepared for ice performances.

Another significant criterion was that participants must not have any criminal history.

Where is Dancing on Ice shot?

Since 2018, Dancing on Ice has been recorded at a uniquely built set located at Bovingdon Airfield, close to Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

Where can I view Dancing on Ice?

The programme could be viewed on the ITVX streaming platform, in addition to being broadcast on ITV.

What is the process for applying to Dancing on Ice?

To take part in the show, applications were made through the official website by completing a specific form that required the following details:

• name;
• date of birth;
• age;
• gender;
• address;
• telephone number.

Applications that included incorrect details were declined. Additionally, a brief video demonstrating the applicant’s skills needed to be included with the application form.

Voting application

Audience members had the opportunity to vote for their preferred contestants to prevent them from being eliminated through the app. Furthermore, votes could also be submitted on the official website of the show after completing the registration process. Voting on the website was free of charge.

Participants

The individuals involved in the projects came from a diverse range of professions: actors, comedians, athletes, and television hosts. Those with little to no experience in skating were matched with expert figure skaters. Over time, they learned the various elements, showcasing not only their skating abilities but also their artistic expression to the audience.

Notable Contestants in Dancing on Ice

Let’s discuss some of the most unforgettable contestants from Dancing on Ice:

Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart triumphed in the 15th season of the programme in 2023. The Olympic gymnast showcased his skills alongside his professional partner, captivating both the judges and the audience at home who voted for their ice dancing performances.

Regan Gascoigne and Karina Manta emerged victorious in the 14th season of the show in 2022.

Siva Kaneswaran, the frontman of The Wanted, partnered with Klabera Komini.

Michelle Heaton, a former member of the pop band Liberty X, teamed up with Łukasz Różycki.

Darren Harriott, a stand-up comic, skated with Tippy Packard;

Joey Essex, known for his role in the reality series The Only Way Is Essex, paired with Vanessa Bauer.

The Vivienne, who won Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, collaborated with Colin Grafton.

Joe Swash, who skated with Alex Murphy, was the winner of the 2020 season of Dancing on Ice and gained significant popularity among viewers due to his enthusiastic responses to the challenges.

Gaynor Faye, who skated with Daniel J Whiston, was the champion of the inaugural season of Dancing on Ice, setting a high standard for other celebrities with her performances.

Suzzane Shaw, the winner of the third season of Dancing on Ice, was paired with Matt Evers and returned for the all-stars season, finishing in ninth place.

Victors

The winners’ table for all seasons illustrates who was acknowledged as the top participant in the project.

Judges

Renowned personalities make up the judging panel for Dancing on Ice. Throughout the years, the following individuals have evaluated the competitors:

1. Robin Cousins
2. Karen Barber
3. Jason Gardiner
4. Nicky Slater
5. Karen Kresge
6. Ruthie Henshall
7. Natalia Bestemianova
8. Emma Bunton
9. Katarina Witt
10. Louie Spence
11. Ashley Roberts
12. Jayne Torvill
13. Christopher Dean
14. Ashley Banjo
15. John Barrowman
16. Oti Mabuse

Dancing on Ice 2025

Dancing on Ice 2025 commenced on ITV1 and ITVX. The event was presented by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern. The judging panel included celebrities Jane Torvill, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse, and Ashley Banjo. The format of the show, which has largely remained consistent over the years, featured professional figure skaters executing choreographed performances on ice alongside amateur participants.

Twelve celebrity pairs took to the ice, striving to dazzle both the judges and the audience.

During the 2025 season, for instance, the following individuals showcased their skills:

• TV presenter Ferne McCann.
• Star of the series ‘The Traitors’ Molly Pierce.
• Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave.
• Actress from the series ‘Eastenders’ Charlie Brooks.
• Footballer and sports expert Anton Ferdinand.
• Comedian Josh Jones.
• Actress Chelsea Haley.
• Actor Dan Edgar.
• Actor Chris Taylor.

Conclusion

Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan emerged victorious in the 2025 season. The concluding episode of the series was broadcast on 9 March. Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty secured the silver medal, while Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt claimed the bronze.

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Common inquiries

Who was the champion of Dancing on Ice 2025?

The champions of the 2025 edition were Sam Aston, widely recognised as Chasney Brown from Corey Street, alongside his partner Molly Lanagan.

What is the start date for Dancing on Ice?

The show first premiered in January 2006 on ITV1. There have been no announcements regarding new episodes for the 2026 season.

What time does Dancing on Ice begin?

In 2025, the show was broadcast at 6:30 p.m. local time.

Which channel broadcasts Dancing on Ice?

Dancing on Ice could be viewed on ITV1 and ITVX, in addition to the STV Player platform.

What is the reason for the absence of a final competition in Dancing on Ice?

In 2025, there was no initial elimination of contestants because the first performances of the pairs were spread over two weeks. As part of the revised format, there were no qualifying performances during the initial four weeks of the competition. The contestants who earned the lowest scores from both the judges and the audience exited the show.

Who are the hosts of Dancing on Ice?

The presenters for the 17th season, which was broadcast in 2025, were Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.