Skier Graham Bell and athlete Colin Jackson CBE became the seventh and eighth celebrities confirmed to take part in Dancing on Ice 2021

Skier Graham Bell and athlete Colin Jackson CBE became the seventh and eighth celebrities confirmed to take part in Dancing on Ice 2021

Two Olympians and broadcasters were revealed in the line-up today as skier Graham Bell and athlete Colin Jackson CBE became the seventh and eighth celebrities confirmed to take part in Dancing on Ice 2021.

The two sportsmen appeared live on BBC Breakfast this morning to confirm the news that they will be joining the competition alongside the previously announced Myleene Klass, Joe-Warren Plant, Denise Van Outen, Faye Brookes, Jason Donovan and Sonny Jay.

Talking to hosts John Kay and Sally Nugent, five time Olympic skier Graham Bell said: Ice doesnt scare me, its the dancing whereas I know you can dance, Colin. He admitted the extent of his dancing experience was confined to dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in apr s ski. Its not graceful and elegant! He joked that Colin might be so competitive that he thinks Colins probably called up Katrina Witt and flown her over from Germany and hired her as a private coach! The two sportsmen know each other well and Graham said he knows Colin is an excellent pupil because I actually coached him on Ski Sunday in 2007 and hes one of the trainees that takes on information so well. Whilst he no doubt believes Colin to be a big contender, the seasoned skier did admit that the transferable skills of edge control, balance in his sport would be useful on the ice.

Colin Jackson CBE said: The first thing for us all is to get used to our boots. I dont know if youve tried ice skating boots but they are pretty tight so weve got to get our feet in there and start getting used to balancing on them. We wont get onto the ice fully until the middle of October. He added, I can do a little bit of skating. I think with sport in itself youve certainly got a bit of balance and that will be transferable in this circumstance. How much dancing well do, who knows?! Well see how the choreography goes. Colin went on to say Im going to try and thats the most important thing. You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. Im looking forward to it.

Presenter Sally Nugent asked the two who they thought might be strong competition in the 2021 line up that she said has got to be one of the best in recent times. Graham responded that Jason Donovan is obviously a big performer and Colin added Denise Van Outen can dance, shes obviously been in musicals.

Returning to ITV in the new year, each week twelve celebrities will skate live with their professional partners as they try to impress both the panel and the viewers who will ultimately decide who wins the show.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show and the expert panel of Torvill and Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo will all resume their roles as judges.

LINK:	https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/skier-graham-bell-and-a...
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