Dancing On Ice hopeful Joey Essex once bragged he was a “secret ice-skating demon” despite claiming to be a novice ahead of this weekend’s show.
The TOWIE star, 32, claimed that he was excited to be “learning a new skill” when the new series starts on Sunday.
But in his 2014 book Being Reem he said he was already a whizz on the ice rink.
He gushed: “If you went to Romford ice rink on a Saturday afternoon you’d see me, little Joey Essex, whizzing about like some icy ninja. I can still ice-skate now – I’m one of those blokes who gets on the ice and starts skimming about backwards doing fancy shapes (to impress the ladies).
“Imagine if I’d gone on Dancing on Ice. I reckon I could easily pull off that Lycra.”
His comments may come as a surprise to Dancing on Ice chiefs.
Asked what he was “most looking forward to” in an ITV interview, he replied: “Learning a new skill properly because with ice skating, from what I know, once you’ve learned it, you remember it.”
Joey has already showed off his ice skating skills. The same year as his book came out, he was invited to open up an ice rink in Reading, Berks and even took to the ice in front of fans.
Joey, who is paired with professional Vanessa Bauer, 26, added: “I just want to get into it and start working. I’ve got a proper long job ahead of me.
“I’m excited because I love working and being busy.”
ITV didn’t comment.
Joey joins 10 other stars including former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, 50, ex-footballer John Fashanu, 60, and Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, 43, taking part in the 15th series.
Comic Darren Harriott, 34, Love Island winner Ekin-Su, 28, and Drag Race’s The Vivienne, 30, are also performing.
They will be judged by Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse.
This Morning pair Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are hosting once again.
Professional star Sylvain Longchambon, 42, is back, having last skated in the 2019 series. Last year the show was won by Regan Gascoigne, 26, son of football icon Paul.
