DANCING On Ice is just over a month away from launch and John Fashanu is going to great lengths to make sure he’s ready for the big day.
The 60-year-old former footballer has signed up for the 2023 series, partnering up with former winner Alexandra Schauman in a bid to take home the championship.
John Fashanu looked terrified as he tried a jump for the first time
The pro footballer has been working hard to nail some tricks right from the start
John has been partnered with former champion Alexandra Schauman
The star is looking a little unsteady on his feet but has a month to get into the swing of things
And Alexandra is making sure he is going above and beyond in prep – literally, as he was spotted on the ice rink learning jumps already.
Clearly terrified, Fashanu towered over Alexandra as they practiced their first routine, with his eyes wide as his skates came off the ice in an effort to do his first jump.
Luckily, he landed back on his feet with Alexandra giving him tips on how to nail the perfect safe landing with the tricky stunt.
Starting off a little unsteady, Fashanu had an extra trainer on hand as they took over a London ice rink.
Later on the same day, it was clear Fashanu was getting more into the swing of things, and was soon trying other tricks including gliding with one leg in the air.
It’s not quite the headbanger yet, but it’s clear the Gladiator host’s competitive spirit is going to come in handy over the next few months as he tries to become the best.
The 2023 series of the ice-skating competition is already shaping up to be one to watch, with several of the couples already making headlines off the rink.
Joey Essex, who has been partnered with champion Vanessa Bauer, has sparked rumours he’s romantically attached to his co-star, with the couple looking loved up as they attend a series of events together and nearly constantly by each other’s side.
Jayne Torvill, who will be returning as a judge alongside longtime skate partner Christopher Dean, has said that Drag Race UK star The Vivienne is already a “dark horse” in the competition, marking them as one to watch.
However others are struggling to get things off the ground, with pro skater Brendyn Hatfield admitting he’s finding it difficult to find time to get Love Island‘s Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu on the ice due to her demanding schedule.
Completing the series line up is Michelle Heaton, Hollyoaks’ Carley Stenson, Coronation Street‘s Mollie Gallagher, EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, Stand-up comedian Darren Harriott and The Wanted pin-up Siva Kaneswaran.
The first live show takes place in early January on ITV.
The duo were seen wobbling as he tried to get used to the ice
As John got more confident, John started going solo and even lifted up a leg
The pair’s first dance will air in January
John was more than a little terrified as he got used to jumping on the ice
