DANCING on Ice star Jason Donavan has denied his stint on Strictly gives him an advantage.
The Neighbours legend – who was partnered up with Kristina Rihanoff on the BBC dance show – finished in third place back in 2011, the year Harry Judd won.
But he insists it’s not helped him when it comes to taking on the challenge of dancing in skates.
“It doesn’t prepare you at all,” said Jason.
“On Strictly you’re on solid ground. When I go onto the ice, I’m working for the entire two hours. Even when you’re standing still.
“The thing about Dancing on Ice is that it’s about movement. Strictly is about standing still sometimes and using other parts of your body.
“There’s a flow to ice skating, which is why it feels like surfing, bike riding, skiing all play a part in this and they didn’t in Strictly.
“The confidence of being a performer does help sometimes and with Strictly, that stage was the most awesome stage I’ve ever been on in my life.
“11 million people, Saturday night TV with Bruce Forsyth. It’s full on and this will be a similar experience apart from it’s Sunday night…”
The 52-year-old is now looking forward to performing on Sunday night after coronavirus threatened to cancel the ITV show.
“Getting older doesn’t have an impact for me,” he added.
“I still feel like want to be active. Mental and physical health go hand in hand and is one of the reasons I took the job to have structure, focus, learn a skill and keep fit.”
- Dancing On Ice starts on Sunday, January 17 at 6pm on ITV.
