Dancing On Ice ‘hit by claims celebs may not be good enough to compete after rinks had to close’

Dancing On Ice has been hit by claims that contestants may not be up to the usual standards of skating by the launch after public rinks had to close.

It is thought bosses are worried that a reported lower amount of training time coupled with the line-up, which includes Myleene Klass and Billie Faiers – being on Christmas break means they may not be good enough to compete, reports The Sun.

However as the show is not starting until January 17, a little later than its usual kick off at the beginning of the year, it is hoped that the stars can ‘sharpen up’. 

A source told the publication: ‘Covid is causing chaos with the Dancing On Ice filming. The practice rinks have all been shut. 

‘All of this happened before the Christmas break and the new tier system was announced.

‘Thankfully there’s a bit of extra time they can hopefully sharpen up. If not there’s going to be some questionable skating on show.’

A spokesperson for Dancing On Ice declined to comment.  

Last month it was also claimed that Dancing On Ice would be hit ‘in a big way’ during the second UK lockdown due to some rinks closing to adhere to the guidelines.

According to reports, 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 for the second UK lockdown saw all leisure centres and sporting venues shut until at least Wednesday 2 December.    

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘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.’ 

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.  

‘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 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.’ 

And despite the concern, the first promo clip for the 2021 series reveals Rebekah Vardy, Myleene and Billie twirling in a snow globe as they showed off their moves.

The stars looked delighted as they showed their already impressive moves on the ice with their skating partners, weeks before the series debuts on January 17. 

Rebekah, 38, who is embroiled in a WAG war with Coleen Rooney, looked glamorous as she skated with pro Andy Buchanan.

While former Hear’Say singer Myleene, 42, displayed some fun dance moves as she wowed in the video with pro partner Lukasz Rozycki.  

Former TOWIE star Billie, 31, looked incredible in a sequinned burnt orange dress as she twirled with partner Mark Hanretty. 

Neighbours legend Jason Donovan, 52, cut a dapper figure in a black and lavender floral suit as he expertly spun around his partner Alexandra Schauman.     

The line-up also includes Denise Van Outen, 46, rapper Lady Leshurr, 30, comedian Rufus Hound, 41, DJ Sonny Jay, 27, athletes Colin Jackson, 53 and Graham Bell, 54, and actress Faye Brookes, 33.  

Dancing On Ice will begin on ITV on January 17.