Dancing On Ice: A recap of the 2023 series
Nile Wilson was crowned the winner
Last updated 26th Sep 2023
All attention was with ITV/STV entertainment show Dancing On Ice during the first nine weeks of 2023, as a whole host of brave celebs took to the ice to show off their skills.
After bosses unveiled which celebs had signed up for the 2023 series, as well as the professional skaters, the show kicked off, with just three celebs making it to the final on Sunday 12th March.
Who won Dancing On Ice 2023?
After a tense final on Sunday 12th March, gymnast Nile Wilson and his professional partner Olivia Smart were crowned the 2023 winners!
Nile scored 40/40 for his first routine on the night, where he made history by becoming the first male celebrity to do the headbanger move.
After impressing the judges during 'The Battle' alongside fellow finalists Joey Essex and The Vivienne, Nile then went on to perform the iconic Bolero, where he brought his own twist whilst incorporating the classic choreography.
When was the Dancing On Ice final?
The 2023 final took place from 6.30pm on Sunday 12th March 2023 on ITV and ITVX.
Who was in the Dancing On Ice final?
Three celebs took part in the final, including The Vivienne, Joey Essex and Nile Wilson.
Which celebs took part in Dancing On Ice 2023?
On Monday 3rd October bosses started to unveil the 2023 celebrity line-up, with EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer being the first name on the list.
Former footballer John Fashanu and Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu were announced, followed by Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher.
On Friday 7th October, Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne was unveiled, with actress Carley Stenson and comedian Darren Harriott being announced over the weekend.
The Wanted's Siva Kaneswaran was the last celeb to join the line-up on Tuesday 11th October.
Nile Wilson
Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson revealed the exciting news that he had joined the Dancing On Ice line-up on his YouTube channel, where he said: "I'm going to be on ITV's Dancing on Ice! This is a really cool thing. I've certainly not done much ice-skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I'm so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again."
Joey Essex
Reality TV legend Joey Essex is feeling very competitive after signing up! He said on This Morning: "I would love to win. I'm going to put all my energy into this. This stage in my life, I'm so ready for this."
The Vivienne
RuPaul Drag Race UK series one winner The Vivienne has also signed up for the show, writing on social media: '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. 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.'
Mollie Gallagher - ELIMINATED
Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher will be taking to the ice this winter. She announced that she had joined the show while on Lorraine, where she said: "I'm really excited. I've not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit!"
She added that she will be seeking advice from her Coronation Street co-stars, saying: "I'll be getting all the tips I can because I'm going to need it!"
Siva Kaneswaran - ELIMINATED
The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran completes the line-up. He told Good Morning Britain: "I'm very excited. I'm trying to be positive and not be in a fearful mindset! I'm looking forward to meeting all the cast. I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see and hopefully not make a fool of myself!"
Carley Stenson - ELIMINATED
Former Hollyoaks actress Carley said of joining the line-up: "I'm so excited that I get to learn how to dance...on ice! I'm terrified but can't wait - I just want to make the most of this whole experience."
Darren Harriott - ELIMINATED
Comedian Darren revealing the news to Trisha Goddard on Talk TV, Darren said: "I've got giant feet, I don't skate and I can't dance! My family has already made bets - they're making bets that I'll fall on the first episode!"
Patsy Palmer - ELIMINATED
50-year-old Patsy Palmer has joined the 2023 series, she's best known for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders. She said: "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.
"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!"
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu - ELIMINATED
Love Island fans were over the moon when 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was announced! Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ekin-Su said: "I've got some amazing news to tell you, I'm going to be doing this year's Dancing on Ice! I'm so excited, I can't wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!"
Michelle Heaton - ELIMINATED
Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton was the 10th celeb to be announced. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, she said: "I'm so excited - I can't believe it. Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general. I've always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I'm really truly grateful that I've got it this year when I'm a lot stronger."
John Fashanu - ELIMINATED
Former footballer turned TV host John Fashanu was the second celeb to be announced for the 2023 series, with the 60-year-old saying: "I'm so excited to be a part of Dancing on Ice! I don't think it'll come as a surprise to people that I'm very competitive - I am definitely in it to win it. And this may be one of the scariest things I've ever signed up for but I couldn't be more ready for the challenge!"
Who was eliminated on Dancing On Ice?
Week One: No elimination
Week Two: John Fashanu
Week Three: Michelle Heaton
Week Four: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Week Five: Patsy Palmer
Week Six: Darren Harriott
Week Seven: Carley Stenson
Week Eight: Mollie Gallagher and Siva Kaneswaran
When did Dancing On Ice 2023 start?
The brand new series kicked off on Sunday 15th January at 6.30pm.
Which professional skaters were on Dancing On Ice 2023?
The professional skaters lined-up to take part in the 2023 series were announced on 28th October 2022. As well as some returning favourites, there was a brand new face announced, in the form of world-class ice dancer Olivia Smart, who is fresh out of the 2022 Winter Olympics!
Olivia joined returning professionals Sylvain Longchambon, Vicky Ogden and Klabera Komini, Matt Evers, Alexandra Schauman and husband Łukasz Różycki, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Vanessa Bauer, Tippy Packard and Colin Grafton.
Who was paired with who on Dancing On Ice?
ITV bosses confirmed the pairings for this year's show. Check them out below:
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Brendyn Hatfield
Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer
Alexandra Schauman and John Fashanu
Mollie Gallagher and Sylvain Longchambon
Tippy Packard and Darren Harriott
Michelle Heaton and Łukasz Różycki
Siva Kaneswaran and Klabera Komini.
Patsy Palmer and Matt Evers
Carly Stenson and Mark Hanretty
The Vivienne and Colin Grafton.
Olivia Smart and Nile Wilson
What channel was Dancing On Ice 2023 on?
Dancing On Ice aired on ITV1 and ITVX. You will also be able to catch up episodes on the new ITVX player. For viewers in Scotland, the show airs on STV and STV Player.
Who hosted Dancing On Ice in 2023?
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield returned for the 2023 series.
The pair originally hosted the popular show between 2006-2010, before Christine Lampard took over from Holly between 2012-2014.
Who were Dancing On Ice judges in 2023?
ITV bosses revealed the Dancing On Ice judging panel for the 2023 series, with last year's judges all returning.
Former Strictly pro Oti Mabuse joined the show in 2022, alongside Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
Oti replaced former judge John Barrowman.
Dancing On Ice is due to return in early 2024.
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