Ashley Banjo's Dancing On Ice replacement confirmed
The judge is taking a break from the show
With the 2024 series of Dancing On Ice now in full swing, there's been a bit of a schedule clash for judge Ashley Banjo, as his dance troupe Diversity embark on their brand new tour today (Tuesday 6th February).
As Ashley is going to be travelling the UK on the tour, it means he's no longer able to sit on the Dancing On Ice panel alongside Oti Mabuse, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, with host Holly Willoughby explaining he won't return until the semi-finals.
Who is replacing Ashley on Dancing On Ice?
With the next live show fast approaching, Ashley's replacement has now been revealed, in the form of American figure skater Johnny Weir.
American Johnny certainly knows what he's talking about when it comes to ice skating, winning a bronze medal at the Olympics in 2008, as well as being the US National champion on three occasions.
Johnny also recently took part in Dancing with the Stars in 2020, as a contestant.
In another shake-up for this weekend's up coming show, there will be a double eviction for the first time this series.
As fans will know, so far Ricky Hatton, Hannah Spearritt, and Claire Sweeney have all been eliminated, with the likes of Amber Davies, Ryan Thomas, and Adele Roberts standing out as early favourites.
Check out the which celebs are taking part in Dancing On Ice below:
Ryan Thomas - WINNER
Best known for: Coronation Street actor and TV personality
Miles Nazaire - SECOND PLACE
Best known for: Made In Chelsea star
Miles said ahead of the show: "I've always loved to dance but it's usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult. I keep thinking about how I'm going to need to have rhythm while balancing on a thin blade and that's when I feel the nerves kick in, but this is such an unbelievable opportunity to get totally out of my comfort zone."
Adele Roberts - THIRD PLACE
Best known for: Radio DJ
Adele said ahead of the show: "It's 'bricking it on ice' for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away. I did radio as it's not visual. That's going to be a big challenge. After cancer I have my life back; I actually can't wait for the glam!"
Greg Rutherford MBE - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Olympic long jumper
Greg said ahead of the show: "My kids love dancing around so hopefully they are going to enjoy watching me dance with blades on my feet! I think this is going to be a really different experience but one that will be quite exciting."
Amber Davies - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Love Island winner and West End star
Amber said ahead of the show: "I would definitely say that I'm an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them, I don't want the adrenalin to get the better of me. I can count on one hand how many times I've ice skated."
Eddie the Eagle - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former Olympic Ski Jumper
Eddie said ahead of the show: "It's bittersweet as whilst I'm delighted to be taking part in the new series I'm gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery. Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. It's a challenge I think I'm going to relish!"
Ricky Norwood - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Actor
Ricky said ahead of the show: "Being on the ice! I'm apprehensive about the lifts, especially the headbanger. I've got to trust in the process, trust in the training, trust in the trainers."
Roxy Shahidi - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Emmerdale actress
Lou Sanders - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Comedian and Writer
Lou said ahead of the show: "I'm nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can't afford to lose any more brain cells. I'm also worried about my partner picking me up, he's going to have to be very strong and very brave."
Claire Sweeney - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Coronation Street actress and TV host
Claire said ahead of the show: "I'm really looking forward to going to an ice rink with my son and actually being able to skate and not have to use the penguins they give you to help you stay upright! I've had to wear my boots around the house... I haven't stepped on the ice yet."
Hannah Spearritt - ELIMINATED
Known for: S Club singer and actress
Hannah said ahead of the show: "I'm really excited about learning a new skill. It's so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing. Fitness is another reason why I'm doing it! It's really exciting."
Ricky Hatton MBE - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former World Champion Boxer
Ricky said ahead of the show: "If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink. I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy!"
Stephen Lustig-Webb - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Gogglebox star
Stephen said ahead of the show: "The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 (years old) so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing! I've got a new appreciation for skating. I can see how truly difficult it is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a little too judgey, I didn't realise how hard it is!"
Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night on ITV/STV.
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