Dancing On Ice 2021: Everything we know about it so far

There's not long to wait for Dancing on Ice fans, the skating competition is back on our screens on Sunday 16 January.

But who are this year's bunch of daring celebs, how has training has been going, and what else do we know about the new series?

Here's the lowdown so far.

When will it be back on TV?

Don't worry - you don't have long to wait! The 13th (unlucky for some) series of the hit ITV show will be back on Sunday 17 January at 6pm.

Are there any changes?

Holly and Phil will be returning for another year of presenting duties

Lots of TV shows have been affected by lockdown rules and the coronavirus, and Dancing On Ice is no different.

There will be some changes for 2021, but lots will be the same.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield will be back to present the show.

Phillip has said DOI "will be a winter boost for all of us".

There will also be the usual expert panel of judges; Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo.

For the first time, there won't be a live studio audience though.

But there will be a new twist - the golden ticket!

The judges will now have the power to award one skating couple per week (only for the first two weeks) a golden ticket. This means they are exempt from the vote and guarantees their place in the third show of the series.

Which celebrities are taking part?

Here they are in all their glittery glory!

You can scroll down to read more about each contestant and who they will be skating with...

Here are all the celebs taking to the rink this series.

Faye Brooks, Graham Bell and Denise Van Outen

Rebekah Vardy, Sonny Jay and Colin Jackson

Rufus Hound, Lady Leshurr and Jason Donovan

Myleene Klass, Billie Shepherd and Joe-Warren Plant

So we know who's taking part - let's meet them!

Rufus Hound

Comedian Rufus Hound was the final celeb to be revealed and has been paired up with professional skater Robin Johnstone.

If you've ever seen CBBC show Waffle the Wonder Dog (or have a younger brother or sister who's a fan!) you might recognise his voice. Rufus lives up to his name and is the voice of Waffle!

We wonder if his skating skills will be pawsome or a bit 'woof' around the edges...

Myleene Klass

Myleene was always a bit scared of doing Dancing on Ice in case she hurt herself!

Myleene Klass was the first celeb to be officially announced.

You might not have heard of her but she used to be in a pop band called Hear'Say.

She's also a classical musician and has most recently been teaching music on TikTok during lockdown along with her two daughters Ava and Hero.

She said they're skating mad and usually she is the one "to tie the shoelaces and hold the coats" but she wanted to "make them proud and show them I'm up for a challenge when completely out of my comfort zone."

She will be skating with Lukasz Rozycki.

Sonny Jay

27-year-old Sonny made the announcement on his breakfast show

Radio presenter Sonny Jay is also taking part.

He's had some words of encouragement from his Capital breakfast show co-host and fellow DJ, Roman Kemp, who said: "You might fall over a few times and it might hurt but I think you're going to smash this. I've got a lot of faith in you, pal."

With all that music he listens to, he must have got some moves!

Sonny Jay has been paired up with Angela Egan.

Lady Leshurr

Lady Leshurr says it's too late to 'get out' of the competition now!

Rapper Lady Leshurr is known for her musical talent and she even went viral with her Queen's Speech songs.

She'll now be swapping the mic for a pair of ice skates and performing along side pro-skater and DOI newcomer Brendyn Hatfield.

She says she "can't skate to save her life", and thinks the experience will be an interesting one.

Billie Shepherd

Billie Shepherd hopes she doesn't embarrass her kids!

TV personality Billie Shepherd is best known for starring in the ITV series The Only Way Is Essex.

"I still can't believe I am actually doing it!!" she shared on Instagram along with a picture of some snazzy skates.

"I am soooo nervous but so excited...this will honestly be one of my biggest challenges yet!! I have zero ice skating or dance experience."

She hopes to make her family proud and will be relying on her skating partner Mark Hanretty for support.

Joe-Warren Plant

Joe-Warren Plant has been on Emmerdale for 10 years but how long will he last on the ice?

Soap star Joe-Warren Plant was the second celeb to be revealed and will be paired up with skater Vanessa Bauer.

If your family is a fan of Emmerdale you might recognise the actor who plays Jacob Gallagher.

The 18-year-old says he's also looking forward to the show's costumes because he loves fancy dress parties!

Faye Brookes

As a trained dancer, DOI sounds right up the Corrie star's street!

Another soap actor has been added to the line up - this time it's Faye Brookes from Coronation Street.

She is known for playing Kate Connor, and will be teaming up with Hamish Gaman for the series.

Before the show has even started, Kate is one of the favourites to win.

Denise Van Outen

The presenter is no stranger to the big stage, but can she impress the judges while moving and grooving on ice?

You may have already seen Denise Van Outen on Strictly and she also took part in the first ever UK series of The Masked Singer where she performed as Fox. She finished in fifth place, but can she make it all the way to the end this time around?

Denise shared a post on her Instagram sharing the news.

She said: "I am so excited to join the show that I've loved watching for years. I can't wait to meet my pro partner and get on the rink for lessons.

"I feel like 2021 is going to bring a smile to all our faces with this fabulous ice show. Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle to brighten up a winter!"

Her skating partner for the show will be Matt Evers who is taking part in his 13th series of the show!

Rebekah Vardy

Rebekah says she just wants to make people laugh

Rebekah Vardy will be dancing and skating with Andy Buchanan.

She is the wife of Premier League footballer Jamie Vardy, who plays for Leicester City.

Rebekah is no stranger to a reality TV challenge, as she appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2017.

She also revealed that she used to go skating when she was a kid - could this give her a leg up in the competition?

Jason Donovan

Jason says he's already started practicing lifts on the ice

Actor and singer Jason Donovan first achieved fame in the Australian soap Neighbours, before moving to a career in music. He's appeared in musicals, including taking the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in the 1990s.

But will he put on a show on the ice?

Jason will be skating with professional Alexandra Schauman.

He said: "I love the adrenaline. I like going to training. I'm interested in the sport."

Graham Bell

Olympic skier Graham has said that it isnt the ice skating that scares him but the dancing

Olympic skier Graham Bell was the sixth contestant to be announced on Dancing on Ice.

His skiing past means he is well used to the cold chill and ice, but Graham has said he doesn't have many dancing skills.

He said the extent of his experience was "dancing on tables wearing ski boots!". We're not sure he should try that on the show!

He will be paired up with American skater Yebin Mok.

Colin Jackson

Colin said the ice skating boots are very tight and you have to get used to them before being comfortable on the ice

Olympian and former world champion hurdler, Colin Jackson CBE, says he's going to be doing his best out on the ice.

Colin has got a little bit of a head start though as he has admitted that he has some skating experience already.

Dancing experience though - we will have to see. He will have to take advice from his skating partner, Klabera Komini.

What do you think of the line up and who do you think will win the skating competition? Let us know by commenting below!