Dancing on Ice contestants are celebrities from the worlds of sport, music, television, and film who compete in a high-stakes reality competition by performing choreographed figure skating routines alongside professional partners. Since its debut on ITV in 2006, the show has featured a diverse array of participants, ranging from Olympic legends like Sir Steve Redgrave and Beth Tweddle to soap opera stars like Sam Aston and Ryan Thomas. In 2025, Coronation Street actor Sam Aston was crowned the champion of Series 17, marking a milestone as the winner of the show’s final season before its current indefinite hiatus.
Professional Partners and Pairings
Professional partners are the backbone of Dancing on Ice, responsible for choreographing routines and ensuring the safety of their celebrity counterparts. Long-standing professionals like Mark Hanretty, Vanessa Bauer, and Sylvain Longchambon have become celebrities in their own right due to their multi-season tenures on the show.
In the final 2025 season, the professional roster included returning favorites and new faces who were tasked with teaching complete novices how to execute complex lifts and spins. Molly Lanaghan secured her first win alongside Sam Aston, while veteran Mark Hanretty reached his highest-ever placement as runner-up with Michaela Strachan.
Hall of Fame: Past Winners
Over the course of 17 series, Dancing on Ice has crowned champions from nearly every sector of the entertainment industry. The show famously produced two-time winner Ray Quinn, who won both his original series in 2009 and the “All-Stars” returners’ series in 2014.
Gaynor Faye (2006): The inaugural winner who set the standard for the series.
Beth Tweddle (2013): The Olympic gymnast who utilized her athleticism to master the ice.
Joe Swash (2020): Known for one of the most surprising victories in the show’s history.
Nile Wilson (2023): Celebrated for being the first male contestant to perform a headbanger.
Ryan Thomas (2024): Won the penultimate series with a series of high-energy performances.
Training and Technical Requirements
Contestants begin their journey months before the first episode airs, attending “boot camps” where they learn basic edge work and balance. By mid-series, they are expected to perform solo laps of the rink and execute technical elements like the “Cross-over” and the “Spiral” to satisfy the professional judges.
The “Headbanger” remains the most feared move for contestants; it involves a skater being spun by their ankles with their head mere inches from the ice. While not every contestant attempts this, those who do—such as Regan Gascoigne or Perri Kiely—often find themselves at the top of the leaderboard due to the high risk-to-reward ratio.
Practical Information for Fans
Although the show is currently on hiatus for 2026, fans can still engage with the Dancing on Ice universe through various platforms and live events.
Where to Watch: Previous seasons, including the full 2025 run, are available for streaming on ITVX.
Studio Location: The series was filmed at a purpose-built ice rink at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire.
Live Tour: While a 2026 tour has not been confirmed, previous tours have visited major UK arenas like the O2 in London and the AO Arena in Manchester.
What to Expect: Live shows typically last 90 to 120 minutes, featuring celebrity routines, professional group numbers, and the final “Skate-Off.”
Seasonal Trends: The Christmas Specials
Dancing on Ice frequently aired festive specials, often titled “The Christmas Ice Show,” which featured returning contestants and professional skaters performing to holiday classics. These specials were notable for their extravagant costumes and “Ice Press” segments, where fans could see behind-the-scenes footage of the grueling winter training sessions.
FAQs
Who won Dancing on Ice 2025?
Coronation Street actor Sam Aston and his professional partner Molly Lanaghan won the 2025 series, beating Michaela Strachan in the final.
Is there a Dancing on Ice series in 2026?
No, ITV announced following the 2025 finale that the show would be “rested” for 2026, with no current plans for a new series in the immediate future.
Who are the judges on Dancing on Ice?
The most recent judging panel consisted of Ashley Banjo, Oti Mabuse, and Olympic legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
Has anyone ever been seriously injured on the show?
Yes, many contestants have suffered injuries, including Josh Jones (ankle, 2025), Jennifer Ellison (head laceration, 2012), and Yebin Mok (leg wound, 2021).
What is the “Bolero”?
The Bolero is the famous routine performed by Torvill and Dean at the 1984 Olympics; the final two contestants in each series must perform their own version of it to determine the winner.
Which professional has won the most times?
Daniel Whiston holds the record for the most wins, having coached three celebrities to victory (Gaynor Faye, Hayley Tamaddon, and Beth Tweddle).
Can contestants choose their own music?
In later weeks, contestants often have input into their music, but most themes (such as Movie Week or Musical Week) are determined by the show’s producers.
How old was the oldest contestant?
Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford was the oldest contestant to compete, taking to the ice at age 65 during the first series in 2006.
Who hosted the show in 2025?
Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern returned as hosts for the final series, continuing their partnership that began in 2024.
Why did Sam Aston win?
Sam Aston was praised for his consistent technical improvement and his “likability factor” with the voting public, particularly during his Pink Panther-themed final routine.
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