ITV Dancing On Ice 2023 line-up as first contestant announced

The first Dancing On Ice 2023 contestant has officially been confirmed. The show, which usually airs in January, has started getting ITV viewers excited about the upcoming series.

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, who present the ice skating competition, unveiled the first celebrity on This Morning on Monday, October 3. The presenters teased the contestant during the opening credits, showing viewers at home a red wig and DJ equipment.

Later, the first Dancing On Ice 2023 contestant was revealed to be Patsy Palmer. The 50-year-old actress, who is best known for her role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders, told Holly and Phil: "I just can't believe I'm the first one, thanks for that."

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"I know, no backing out now," Holly replied. "We've revealed you."

Patsy, who appeared from America via video link, explained that she'd turned down Dancing On Ice before but was ready to challenge herself and get out of her comfort zone. The television star also revealed she'd be training from Los Angeles.

Patsy Palmer was unveiled as the first contestant for Dancing On Ice 2023 on This Morning (ITV screengrab)

She told the presenters: "My pact that I made with myself when I was 50 was I have to do things to challenge myself for the next couple of years. This is for all the 50 year-olds out there that think they can't challenge themselves!"

Patsy added: "I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I thought 'I'll just go for it' and it seems like a lot of fun."

Following the interview, Phil and Holly revealed there would be more announcements to comes and said viewers would not be disappointed by the line-up.

Last year, Dancing On Ice 2022 was won by Regan Gascoigne and his professional skating partner Karina Manta. Regan beat Brendan Cole and Kimberly Wyatt to lift the trophy. You can read more about the 2022 final here.

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