Dancing On Ice confirm the latest celebrity taking to the ice is a footballer
He'll be light on his feet!
Dancing On Ice show bosses have confirmed that the latest celebrity confirmed for the 2020 series is footballer Kevin Kilbane! The footballer, who played for the Republic of Ireland team thanks to his Irish parentage, has confirmed that he'll be taking to the ice next January in the celebrity cast along with Love Island's Maura Higgins and TV presenter Michael Barrymore.
Kevin said of joining the show, "I am going on as a total novice. I'm starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me. I've been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let's just see how this one goes."
As well as winning 110 caps for the national Republic of Ireland football team, Kevin also played for many English teams in the English Football League like Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City.
It now makes sense as to who the footballer was in the Dancing On Ice teaser pictures, after fans became convinced that a picture of a hand holding a football was retired female English footballer Karen Carney. The caption read, 'We wonder if this celeb will be able to score big on the ice... ⚽️.'
Kevin joins Maura and Michael in the line-up - here's the official celebrity line-up for Dancing On Ice 2020 so far...
Dancing On Ice 2020: The full celebrity line-up so far
Dancing On Ice 2020: Meet the cast
Perri Kiely
Diversity dancer Perri Kiely reunited with his dance-mate Ashely Banjo for Dancing On Ice 2020! He said, "I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bit nervous. I've had a couple of training sessions so far and I'm not going to lie, it's hard. I can stand up on ice and skate about a bit, but technique, it's difficult!"
Of normally being the one to get thrown into the air, Perri said, "Role reversal! I'm pretty sure my job title was to get thrown about. I would love to back flip on ice, imagine how sick that would be! But I said I was going to get on the ice and spin and flip and do this, but I turned up to that first training session and I just wanted to put one foot in front of the other and make sure I don't fall over."
Perri Kiely is paired with Vanessa Bauer
Libby Clegg MBE
Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg was the eighth confirmed contestant on Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Victoria Derbyshire, she said, "After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought 'what else can I do?' This opportunity came about and I couldn't pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things."
Libby Clegg is paired with Mark Hanretty
Joe Swash
Former soap star and King of the Jungle Joe Swash was the ninth celeb to be announced for Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Loose Women, Joe said, "I can't even dance on a dance floor so Dancing on Ice is just a silly idea! I've done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey thinks it's funny. I'm going to learn how to skate and I'll do it with a smile on my face."
Joe Swash is paired with Alexandra Schauman
Although Joe was originally paired with Alexandra Schauman, a nasty injury meant she could no longer continue, meaning Alex Murphy stepped in!
Trisha Goddard
Queen of Daytime TV Trisha Goddard was the first celeb to leave the show! After falling over in her routine, Trisha lost out i the skate-off to newsreader Lucrezia Millarini.
Trisha Goddard is paired with Łukasz Różycki
Lucrezia Millarini
ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini was eliminated from the show in Week 3, losing out in the skate-off to former footballer Kevin Kilbane.
Lucrezia Millarini is paired with Brendyn Hatfield
Radzi Chinyanganya
TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya was drafted in as Michael Barrymore's replacement, but he failed to impress viewers and was eliminated from the show in week 4.
Radzi Chinyanganya is paired with Jessica Hatfield
Kevin Kilbane
Former footballer Kevin Kilbane lost his place on the show in Week 5! But it isn't all bad news... Kevin confirmed he is now dating his skating partner Brianne Delcourt after they met on the show!
Kevin Kilbane is paired with Brianne Delcourt
Caprice
Caprice chose to quit the show in Week 5 after previously parting ways with her partner Hamash Gaman.
Caprice is paired with Hamish Gaman
Ian 'H' Watkins
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins and his professional partner Matt Evers were eliminated from the competition in Week 6, following a skate-off with comedian Ben Hanlin.
Ian 'H' Watkins is paired with Matt Evers
Maura Higgins
Love Island star Maura Higgins left the competition in Week 7 after losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Maura Higgins is paired with Alexander Demetriou
Lisa George
Coronation Street actress Lisa George lost her place on the show in Week 8, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Lisa George is paired with Tom Naylor
Ben Hanlin is paired with Carlotta Edwards
Ben Hamlin
Magician Ben Hanlin lost his place on the show in the semi-final, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
NOW WATCH: Strictly Come Dancing's winners through the years
Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.