Dancing on Ice

The series was announced in November 2004 and originally titled Stars on Thin Ice,^[4] the show was renamed following the failure of ITV's celebrity oriented 2005 summer schedule. Dancing on Ice is frequently compared to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004, the BBC aired a Strictly special entitled Strictly Ice Dancing at Christmas, which was won by England goalkeeper David Seaman, who later became a contestant on the first series of Dancing on Ice.^[5]

ITV's show was given a January premiere amidst network doubts about its viability but became a surprise hit in Britain, where it became the third highest rated television show of 2006. It attained an impressive 13 million viewers for the final in March. Britain's best-known ice-skating duo and Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean help to train the aspiring dancers, and also appear throughout the show with comments and advice. Head Coach Karen Barber also trains the skaters for the live show.^[6] From the beginning, Torvill and Dean opened every episode with a performance, with the exception of the second, third and fourth shows of the fourth series, when Torvill performed alone due to Dean's recovery from a shoulder operation. From 2012, they performed less frequently.^[7]

Schofield previously presented with Holly Willoughby, with commentary originally from Tony Gubba (later Simon Reed) and voiceovers done by John Sachs. The members of The Ice Panel were originally Karen Barber, Jason Gardiner, Nicky Slater and Robin Cousins, and the fifth judge varied from series to series: Karen Kresge in the first series, Natalia Bestemianova in the second, Ruthie Henshall in the third and fourth and Emma Bunton in the fifth. In series 6, there were only three judges: Gardiner, Cousins and Bunton.^[8]

During the shows first two series, it ran two supplementary programmes – Dancing on Ice Defrosted, presented by Stephen Mulhern, and Dancing on Ice Exclusive (or Dancing on Ice Extra during series 1) presented by Andi Peters alongside Andrea McLean in series 1 and Ben Shephard in series 2. In mid-2007, it was announced that both shows would not return to accompany the third series as the audience attracted was out of ITV2's target range.^[9] As part of ITV's new revamped schedule at the start of 2008, from the third series, the show aired on a Sunday night and featured updated music and new titles as well as redesigned graphics. The series 3 finale was a massive draw, pulling an average 11.7 million viewers (up from 9.6 million the previous year) peaking at 12.6 million viewers over the two-hour slot, up over a million from series 2.^[10]

The seventh series began on 8 January 2012, with Torvill and Dean as coaches for which they will be paid £250,000 each series.^[11] Christine Lampard was announced as the new co-presenter of the show replacing Holly Willoughby, whilst Katarina Witt and Louie Spence replaced Emma Bunton and Jason Gardiner on the judging panel.^[12] On 20 November 2012, it was announced that Gardiner was to return to the panel for the 2013 series, replacing Spence.^[13][14] The full judging panel for the 2013 series was revealed on 28 December 2012, with former The Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts joining and Karen Barber returning to the panel after acting as head coach on the show the previous two years; they joined Gardiner and head judge Robin Cousins on the panel.^[15]

On 21 May 2013, Torvill and Dean announced that they would leave the series after its ninth series in 2014,^[16] leading to speculation that the whole show would be axed. On 24 June 2013 it was rumoured that Dancing on Ice may continue after they have left with new coaches,^[17] however, on 22 October 2013 it was confirmed that the show would end after its ninth series in 2014.^[18]

On 4 September 2017, ITV confirmed that the show would return in 2018. Torvill and Dean will return to the show as head judges along with Schofield and Willoughby as presenters.^[19] On 19 October 2017, Ashley Banjo was confirmed as a judge.^[20] Later that month, Gardiner confirmed that he would return to the judging panel.^[21] Ashley's brother, Jordan Banjo, acts as the show's backstage digital host.^[22] ITV Racing's betting presenter Matt Chapman was announced as the new commentator on 16 December 2017.^[23] However, following the first live show on 7 January, Chapman claimed that he had "quit" the show but it was later confirmed to be a decision by the ITV producers, responding to pressure from the TV audience.^[24] ITV and Talksport football commentator Sam Matterface was later confirmed as Chapman's replacement.^[25] On 21 August 2019, Gardiner confirmed that he would not return for the 12th series in 2020.^[26] At the start of September, series one contestant John Barrowman was confirmed as his replacement.^[27] On 3 October 2021, ITV announced that Barrowman would not be returning to the judging panel in 2022.^[28] In December, it was confirmed that Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse would replace him for the fourteenth series.^[2]

In May 2023, Schofield resigned from ITV after admitting to having had a relationship with a young male ITV employee, ultimately confirming his departure from both This Morning and Dancing on Ice.^[29][30][31] Stephen Mulhern, who previously stood in for Schofield as presenter during the fourteenth series, was announced as his replacement and currently co-hosts alongside Willoughby.^[32][33]

Each week the celebrities and their partners perform a live ice dance routine. The four/five (as of Series 8) judges (commonly known as the Ice Panel) judge each performance and give a mark between 0.0 and 10.0 (0.0 to 6.0 between series 1 and 5), depending on the performance. These total scores then create a leaderboard which combines with the public vote in order to determine the two lowest placed couples. As this is the case, the pair with the lowest score from the judges can avoid being in the bottom two if the public vote for them.^[34]

Once the scores and votes are combined to form the final leaderboard for that week's show, the two/three couples at the bottom compete in a final showdown known as the "Skate Off", where they perform a different routine known as the Save-Me Skate. Unlike the main routines, this routine can be reused if the celebrity is in the Skate Off more than once. Once the couples have performed their routines for the judging panel, the judges decide on who deserves to stay and cast their votes, based on their second performance. The couple with the most votes from the judges receives a place in the following week's show, while the couple with the fewest votes leaves the competition. One couple leaves the competition each week, but in series 7, two couples left in one week, due to numbering issues. This also occurred in series 10, 11 and 14 respectively.^[35]

A live reunion special was staged one week after the end of each season, with all celebrities talking about their experiences during the season, and answering questions from a live studio audience. Torvill and Dean themselves then made a special in-studio appearance towards the end, thanking the contestants, hosts and judges, and the viewers for their votes.^[36]

From Series 1 to 8, there was an element that the skaters were required to perform as part of their routines. From Series 9, the required skating elements format was removed due to the All-Star nature of the series. It was brought back in Series 10, known as the judges' challenge. The required elements included:^[37]

The show was based in the George Lucas Stage at Elstree Studios from 2006 to 2010. In 2011 the show was broadcast from Shepperton Studios. In 2012 it returned to Elstree with a new, more modern set. There were several areas of the Elstree studio. The Tunnel was to the left of the rink and was where the couples entered the rink. The Ice Cave was situated at the back of the rink and was where Phillip Schofield and Torvill and Dean stood to interview the couples. The Judges and Contestants Area was to the right of the rink and was where the judging panel were based, and where Holly Willoughby or Christine Bleakley stood to speak to them and the couples.^[38]

For the 2018 revival series the show was relocated to a purpose-built studio at RAF Bovingdon.^[39]

Sixteen series have been broadcast to date, as summarised below.

Colour key

The first series aired from 14 January to 4 March 2006 on ITV. It was presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and judged by the "Ice Panel", consisting of Nicky Slater, Karen Kresge, Jason Gardiner, Karen Barber and Robin Cousins. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean coached and trained the contestants.^[40]

The second series aired from 20 January to 17 March 2007 on ITV. It was presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and judged by the "Ice Panel", consisting of Nicky Slater, Natalia Bestemianova, Jason Gardiner, Karen Barber, and Robin Cousins. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean coached and trained the contestants.^[41]

The third series aired from 13 January to 16 March 2008 on ITV. The show moved from Saturday nights to Sunday nights, with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returning as hosts. Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner, and Robin Cousins returned to the "Ice Panel", with Ruthie Henshall joining as a replacement for Natalia Bestemianova.^[42]

The fourth series aired from 11 January to 22 March 2009 on ITV. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as main presenters, while Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner, Ruthie Henshall, and Robin Cousins returned to the "Ice Panel".^[43]

The fifth series aired from 10 January to 28 March 2010, on ITV, with a preview show on 8 January 2010. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as the main presenters, while Karen Barber, Robin Cousins, Jason Gardiner, and Nicky Slater returned to the "Ice Panel". Emma Bunton joined the panel as a replacement for Ruthie Henshall. Barber acted as head judge for weeks 6 and 7 due to Cousins commentating on the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, with Michael Ball and Angela Rippon appearing as guest judges those weeks.

The sixth series aired from 9 January to 27 March 2011, on ITV. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as hosts, while Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean returned as mentors. As part of a major revamp, the show moved from Elstree Studios to Shepperton Studios, where they unveiled a new set. Karen Barber, Emma Bunton, Robin Cousins, and Jason Gardiner returned, though Barber moved from the "Ice Panel" to head coach. Nicky Slater did not return as a judge and was not replaced. In another change, the judges gave scores out of 10.0 instead of 6.0, allowing for an overall total score of 30.0.

The line-up was revealed on 18 December 2010, and consisted of sixteen celebrities. The first two shows, on 9 and 16 January 2011, were billed as "qualifying" rounds, with eight couples skating in each, and two being eliminated each week. The remaining twelve couples progressed to the main competition, which started on 23 January.^[44]

The seventh series aired from on 8 January to 25 March 2012, on ITV.^[45] Phillip Schofield returned as presenter, but Holly Willoughby was replaced by Christine Bleakley.^[46] Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean returned to mentor the celebrities, with Karen Barber returning as head coach. This series was judged by Robin Cousins, Louie Spence, and Katarina Witt. The show moved back to its original location of Elstree Studios, which had been used during the show's first five series.

The eighth series aired from on 6 January to 10 March 2013, on ITV. Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley returned as hosts, with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean serving as mentors. The series was judged by Robin Cousins, Karen Barber, Ashley Roberts, and Jason Gardiner. Gardiner had departed after series 6 in 2011, but returned to replace Louie Spence, while Ashley Roberts joined the Ice Panel as Katarina Witt's replacement. Barber rejoined the Ice Panel after serving as head coach in series 6 and series 7.

The ninth series aired from 5 January to 9 March 2014 on ITV. It was announced on 22 October 2013 that this series would be the show's last, and would be an 'All-Star' series featuring former winners and previous contestants. Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley returned to present, with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean returning as mentors. Robin Cousins, Jason Gardiner, Karen Barber, and Ashley Roberts returned to the "Ice Panel". Cousins was unable to appear on the ice panel during weeks 6 and 7 due to him commentating the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and was replaced by original judge Nicky Slater, while Barber acted as head judge.

The tenth series debuted on ITV on 7 January 2018. It was the first series since the show had ended in 2014 and featured a new set and ice rink, a new panel of judges, and a new logo. After the tenth series, the live tour of Dancing on Ice returned from March to April 2018, featuring celebrities from the series.

For this series, the show relocated from its previous home at Elstree Studios to a new, purpose-built studio at RAF Bovingdon in Hertfordshire. Creative directors and mentors Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill became head judges and alternated the role on a weekly basis, joined on the panel by newcomer Ashley Banjo and Jason Gardiner, who returned for his ninth series as judge. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby served as hosts, with Willoughby replacing Christine Lampard.

The eleventh series debuted on 6 January 2019 on ITV. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again returned as hosts; Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean, Jason Gardiner, and Jayne Torvill all returned as judges. Former judge Karen Barber returned as head coach, a role that she had last held in 2012.

The twelfth series debuted on ITV on 5 January 2020. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as hosts. On 1 September 2019, it was announced that Jason Gardiner would not return as a judge and that series 1 participant John Barrowman would replace him.

The thirteenth series debuted on ITV on 17 January 2021. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as hosts, while Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Christopher Dean, and Jayne Torvill returned as judges.

The fourteenth series debuted on ITV on 16 January 2022. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as hosts. Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean, and Jayne Torvill returned as judges for their fifth series, while it was announced that John Barrowman would not be returning to the judging panel. In December, Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse was confirmed as Barrowman's replacement. Arlene Phillips also joined the panel on 20 February as a guest judge.

The fifteenth series debuted on ITV on 15 January 2023. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby returned as hosts. Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse, and Jayne Torvill also returned as judges.

The sixteenth series began airing on ITV from 14 January 2024. In May 2023, Phillip Schofield who had presented the show since its inception, resigned from ITV after admitting to having had a relationship with an ITV employee.^[47] Stephen Mulhern, who previously stood in for Schofield as presenter during the fourteenth series, was announced to be co-hosting the series alongside Holly Willoughby in December 2023.^[48][49]

The seventeenth series will begin airing on ITV from January 2025 with returning hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern. On 6 December 2024, it was announced that Sarah Storey would no longer be able to continue in the competition due to injury.^[50]

All information in this table comes from BARB.^[51]

Like many other reality TV shows, Dancing on Ice has had a number of supplementary shows. The first was Dancing on Ice Defrosted. It was presented by Stephen Mulhern and aired on ITV2 immediately after the main ITV show and again after the results show. The show featured opinions from celebrity guests and past contestants as well as from Torvill and Dean, the judges, presenters and competitors. Judge Nicky Slater also offered in-depth analysis of various performances using the latest video technology that the judges use to judge performances.^[74]

The second spin-off show was originally called Dancing on Ice Extra and was presented by Andi Peters and Andrea McLean, both competitors in the first series. Midway through the first series Paul O'Grady left ITV to join Channel 4 meaning that ITV had no show to put on air at 5 pm. The format of Dancing on Ice Defrosted was modified so that it could be broadcast every weekday. Due to Andrea's maternity leave during the second series she did not return to present the show and therefore Ben Shephard joined the show as the anchor presenter, and, unlike during the previous, series Andi Peters was now a roving reporter around the studio. For its second run the show was renamed Dancing on Ice Exclusive. Neither of these first two spin-off shows returned in 2008 nor 2009.^[75]

In 2010 it was announced that a new spin-off show would accompany Dancing on Ice, named Dancing on Ice Friday, presented by Ben Shephard and Coleen Nolan.^[76]

This took place on Saturday 24 March 2007 and featured finalists from both Series 1 and Series 2. All six celebrities did one routine each, scored by the judges, and then voted on by the public. The two couples finishing first after the public voted skated again in the skate off to decide the winner. The skaters that did not reach the skate off – 3rd to 6th – were announced "in no particular order", so ranks may not be accurate.^[77]

For Christmas 2008, Torvill and Dean went head to head with Jayne Torvill having a team of three female celebrities, and Christopher Dean having a team of three male celebrities. The judges were the usual line-up of Robin Cousins, Ruthie Henshall, Jason Gardiner, Karen Barber and Nicky Slater. Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield presented the 90-minute programme.^[78]

Team Torvill scored 80 points to Team Dean's 79.5 and won the show by also receiving the majority of the audience votes.

Suzanne Shaw received the perfect score of 30 for the third time in a row. In her last two appearances on the show she has picked up the trophy.

A 30-minute prime time spin-off to Dancing on Ice premiered on 26 January 2008 and ran for a few episodes, presented solely by Holly Willoughby. This both showed some exclusive footage of the celebrities training for the Sunday night main show and followed Torvill and Dean on the search for a member of the public to perform on the Dancing on Ice final in 2009.^[79]

Shows:

• Kyran Bracken skated with his new partner (they have been on Holiday on Ice)
• David Seaman and Melanie Lambert showed what to expect on the Tour
• Clare Buckfield and Andrei Lipanov did a new performance of "Reach"

This was shown after the announcement of the bottom two had been made but before the skate off. It showed Torvill and Dean's search for an entertainment act on ice, with auditions from all kinds of ice skaters. The winner skated live on the Dancing on Ice 2009 final and join Torvill and Dean on tour.^[80]

From a shortlist of 20 acts, Torvill and Dean invited only four back to give another performance in the Dancing on Ice studio.^[81] The final four were:

• Hannah and Daniel – Child pairs skaters
• Nick Rigby – Figure skater
• The Oxford Freestylers – Stunt and trick performers
• The Elody – Skating girlband

The Oxford Freestylers won and performed live on the Dancing on Ice 2009 final.^[82]

An Olympic special aired on 22 July 2012, before the London 2012 Summer Olympics. It featured medal-winning Olympic athletes.^[83]

The one-off special featured the judges from series 7, with Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley returning as presenters. Torvill & Dean unveiled a new and specially-crafted performance. Head judge, Robin Cousins also performed a solo routine for first time in twelve years.^[84]

The judges scores were added to the studio audiences votes to decide the winner. No public vote took place, as the programme was recorded earlier in the year.

A brand new spin-off show for the 2010 series of Dancing on Ice, appropriately called Dancing on Ice Friday, gave viewers the insight to the training of the celebrities over the last week. It was presented by television presenter Ben Shephard and former contestant and Loose Women star Coleen Nolan. The show was broadcast from 8 pm to 8.30 pm on Friday evenings on ITV throughout the duration of the main shows season. STV who broadcast the main show did not broadcast this on the Friday evening but after repeating the previous week's main show on the following Saturday afternoon. Due to poor ratings, Dancing on Ice Friday was axed prior to the 2011 series.^[85][86]

A Christmas special aired on 22 December 2019 featuring performances from all the couples of the series 12, previous winner Ray Quinn, series 11 contestant Gemma Collins, and Torvill and Dean.^[87] Jake Quickenden was also supposed to be performing, but on 13 November 2019, it was announced that he had to pull out due to a neck injury.^[88]

Due to a number of early withdrawals and to give the remaining contestants sufficient time to recover from any injuries, series 13 was paused for one week and the episode scheduled to air on 21 February was replaced with a pre-recorded special celebrating the most memorable moments in the show's history.^[89]

Torvill and Dean's Dancing on Ice: The Live Tour is a nationwide tour in the United Kingdom. It began in 2007 following the success of the television series Dancing on Ice.

During the second series of Dancing on Ice on ITV, it was announced that the show would be taken on a UK arena tour. The tour was presented by former contestant and Dancing on Ice Exclusive host Andi Peters and featured contestants from the UK and Australian series of the show competing against each other for audience votes (cast via SMS). Each contestant performed two solo routines for the judges: (Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner, Karen Barber, Robin Cousins, and a guest judge who varied at each location). The two couples with the most votes then proceeded to the Bolero Dance-Off. Following the completion of the dance-off, the judges selected a winner decided by a majority vote. The live show also featured numerous performances from Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean as well as the professional skaters from the television series and other special guests.

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dancing on Ice.

• Dancing on Ice at itv.com
• Dancing on Ice at stv.tv
• Dancing on Ice at IMDb