TV

Former Dancing On Ice champion throws skates in rink for judge’s job

Have they got what it takes?

Fans were excited at the news that, after four years absence from our screens, Dancing On Ice will be back on the box in 2018.

And with seats on the judging panel possibly up for grabs, some celebs have been getting excited too!

Throwing her hat into the ring for a judging role is one of the show’s best champions, Hayley Tamaddon.

The former soap star won the show back in 2010, thanks to some pretty spectacular performances with her professional partner Daniel Whiston.

Read more: Rylan’s adorable family pic

And now with news that Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean could be swapping their coaches role to become judges, Hayley admitted she would LOVE to join them on the all-new show.

“I would love to be a judge!” she told OK! Online.

“It very nearly happened once before actually. I got asked if I’d be interested in doing it and I had a screen test and everything and in the end, I did something else for them instead.

“I feel so lucky I got the chance to work and become friends with the legends that are Torvill and Dean and having someone who’s actually competed on the show just puts a different aspect out there – someone who’s actually skated out there and knows that feeling of what it’s like.”

“I would love to be a judge,” she added. “And I think I would be a fair judge because I’ve been in it, I know how nerve-wracking it is, I know what those guys go through when they skate on for the first time.

“It’s terrifying! It really is and it doesn’t get any easier. Every week your legs are still like jelly. I would love to, who knows ­– put it out there and see what happens.”

Hayley went on to explain why she knows exactly what the new crop of contestants would be going through as the show returns.

“I’ve done musicals and West End shows where I’ve gone out and done a performance in front of a live audience, but that is nothing in comparison to Dancing on Ice, how it makes your body feel, it’s terrifying,” she said.

“So, it would be nice and would be nice to be able to help and talk to them and go backstage and chat to them.”

Previous judges over the nine series have included Olympic champ Robin Cousins, choreographer Jason Gardiner, ice skating coaches Karen Barber and Nicky Slater, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts, and West End star Ruthie Henshall.

And the presenting pair of This Morning best pals Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will once again return to host proceedings.

The duo originally hosted the show for the first six years between 2006 and 2011, before Christine Lampard took over from Holly when she was on maternity leave.

In terms of which celebs might be taking part in the upcoming new series, the rumour mill has already started flying.

Corrie’s Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) and Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker) are on the list, along with Loose Woman Saira Khan and WAG Alex Gerrard.

Last year’s Bake Off winner Candice Brown is another possible, as is Royal butler Paul Burrell, TV presenter and DJ Toby Anstis, and TV psychic Sally Morgan.

Read more: I’m A Celebrity star to return?

Rugby hunk Max Exans could provide eye candy for female fans, along with Love Island champ Kem Cetinay.

And with Katie Price strongly rumoured to be taking part, you can almost guarantee the column inches.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor