Denise Van Outen insists she won’t be trying any death-defying moves during Dancing On Ice

Denise Van Outen has insisted she won’t be trying any death-defying moves on Dancing On Ice next year.

The TV personality, 46, is among the favourites to take home the trophy in the upcoming series when it returns to ITV in January.

Speaking to The Sunday Mirror’s Notebook Magazine, Denise cited her daughter Betsy, eight, as the reason she wouldn’t be taking too many risks on the ice. 

She said: ‘I won’t take any risks on the ice for my daughter’s sake.’

One of the show’s most nail biting moves is the headbanger, where a skater is swung around with their head being raised and lowered, often dangerously close to the ice. 

Donna Air previously told how she had been banned from attempting the move when she took part in the 2018 series as bosses told her she was ‘too tall’. 

Denise shares her daughter Betsy with her ex-husband Lee Mead, who she was married to from 2009 to 2013.

Family: Speaking to The Sunday Mirror’s Notebook Magazine, Denise cited her daughter Betsy, eight, as the reason she wouldn’t be taking too many risks on the ice

The star is partnered with pro skater Matt Evers on the upcoming series and will be competing against the likes of Myleene Klass and Rebekah Vardy.

It comes after reports that Dancing On Ice was going to be ‘hit in a big way’ during the second lockdown due to some rinks being closed to adhere to new coronavirus guidelines.

The pro skaters and celebrities were said to be concerned that they’ll be unable to train due to council ice rinks shutting.

The new rules, which came into effect on Thursday, will also see all leisure centres and sporting venues shut until at least Wednesday 2 December.

Motherhood: Denise shares her daughter Betsy with her ex-husband Lee Mead, who she was married to from 2009 to 2013 

Despite not all ice rinks shutting, some pro skaters and celebrities are said to be worried they’ll be unable to train as they don’t live near the select few open venues.

A source told The Sun: ‘Lockdown is affecting many industries, but Dancing On Ice looks set to be hit in a big way.

‘The main concern from some of the professionals is that because council rinks are being closed down, they’re going to be left with nowhere to train.

‘Not all of them are near one of the few available UK rinks so it remains to be seen how they’ll get on-ice training.’ 

Pals: Denise is partnered with pro skater Matt Evers (far left) on the upcoming series and will be competing against the likes of Billie Faiers (pictured)

Yet a Dancing On Ice spokesperson hit back at the claims and told MailOnline: ‘We’re in constant contact with our entire cast in training and there have been no concerns raised.

‘All scheduled training is proceeding safely within guidelines and at easily accessible locations.’

They added: ‘ITV takes the safety and welfare of everyone involved with its programmes extremely seriously and follows all government guidelines regarding Covid-19.

‘The government has confirmed that TV production can carry on throughout lockdown, to that end we will be hiring the local ice rinks on a private and exclusive hire basis.’ 

So far, the cast have been undergoing weekly coronavirus tests in order to train with their professional partners on the ice. 

Guidelines: It comes after reports that Dancing On Ice would be ‘hit in a big way’ during the second lockdown due to some rinks being closed to adhere to new coronavirus guidelines (pictured in November 2020)

Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?

 MYLEENE KLASS 

 

Age: 42 

Profession: Musician and radio host 

Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’ 

JASON DONOVAN

Age: 52

Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours 

Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’

FAYE BROOKES 

 

Age: 33

Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street

Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’

COLIN JACKSON

Age: 53

Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality

Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’

REBEKAH VARDY 

Age: 38

Profession: TV personality

Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’

 RUFUS HOUND 

 Age: 41

Profession: Comedian

Rufus says: ‘I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard but about six months ago this global pandemic hit and made just about everything I’ve ever done to earn a pound note disappear!’  

DENISE VAN OUTEN  

 

Age: 46 

Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast  

Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’

SONNY JAY 

 

Age:  27

Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio

Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’ 

JOE-WARREN PLANT 

 

Age: 18

Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale 

Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’ 

GRAHAM BELL

Age: 54

Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist

Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’

LADY LESHURR

Age: 30

Profession: Rapper

Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’

 Billie Faiers

Age: 30 

Profession: Television personality 

Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’