Former The Only Way is Essex and I'm A Celebrity star Joey Essex has been confirmed to be taking part in Dancing On Ice 2023. He confirmed he was doing the show while speaking on This Morning on Friday morning (October 7), hours after another name was revealed for the series.
It follows Ru Paul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne signing up, and revealing online: "I'm beyond excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing on Ice in 2023! This is honestly a dream come true and I can't wait to start training on the ice," the Mirror reports.
"To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour. I think it's a big step forward for queer representation on TV.”
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The Vivienne was the sixth celebrity to be announced, joining the previously announced actress and DJ Patsy Palmer, football legend Josh Fashanu, Love Island Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and Coronation Street's Mollie Gallagher.
Eleven celebrities will prepare to embark on the ultimate challenge as they take to the ice each week, skating live in a bid to impress both the panel and viewers at home. Nottingham ice-skating legends Torvill and Dean offer their expert views on the popular show. The show is due to hit our screens again in early 2023.
Joey revealed he is doing the show "for himself" and would be taking it seriously, as now was the right time after a previous chance to sign up fell flat. He told hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary: "I'm so happy, I'm so excited. It's more serious to what I normally do, I've done all the dating shows in the world. This is a bit more serious for me."
He went on: "I used to go to foam parties in a dancing rink, I'm not the best skater. I done [ice skating] when I was maybe 11, or 12, but nothing proper, no.
"It's scary, it's a competition. I've done The Jump which was similar but not really. I don't know how I won that. Winning would be a bonus, I'm gonna put my whole energy into it."
On previously missing out on the show, Joey said now was the right time in his life to take on the challenge. He told the hosts: "I was probably a little bit immature back then. I’d like to say I’ve matured, I’ve grown up.
“I feel like back then it probably wouldn’t have been right for me. I believe that and I think the producers knew that as well, but at this stage of my life I am so ready for something like this. I’m ready for the commitment. It’s not easy to do, it’s five and a half months work.”
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