THE ICE MAN
Lancashire Life|January 2020
Skating star Daniel Whiston is back on television this month as creative director of Dancing on Ice. Here he talks, sequins, skating and how Blackpool contributed to his success
Emma Mayoh
THE ICE MAN
You can’t help but get caught up in Dan Whiston’s optimism. His voice fizzes with enthusiasm and, even though he’s on the end of a phone, you can tell he is grinning from ear to ear. He’s in the middle of gruelling rehearsals for the new series of Dancing on Ice, for which he is associate creative director and which airs this month. And despite the long days and demanding physical challenge of being on the ice for hours at a time, he is relishing every moment.

‘It’s fabulous, I couldn’t wish for more,’ he says. ‘For me this is the dream job, it is incredible and the most amazing opportunity.’

It’s this positive approach that has undoubtedly been a factor in the 43-year-old’s success. As well as being a successful skater – on Dancing on Ice he is the only professional to have won the competition three times – he is patron for Brian House Children’s Hospice, owns a franchise of Subway restaurants, Blackpool’s Clip n’ Climb centre and has a property business with fellow Dancing on Ice coach and skating star Karen Barber, who is originally from Manchester. He is also a qualified fitness instructor and runs Zumba exercise classes in Poulton.

‘I’ve been lucky,’ said Dan, a former Blackpool Hot Ice Show skater. ‘But I was also taught to work hard by my dad, Bill. When I was in my early teens I was working in the carpet shops he still runs in Blackpool.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM LANCASHIRE LIFEView all
A Shopper's Paradise
Lancashire Life

A Shopper's Paradise

‘Anything is possible’ is the boast of a famous Knightsbridge shop and it could equally apply to Clitheroe, where shoppers come eager to pick up something just that little bit different, especially in the run-up to Christmas

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Back from the brink?
Lancashire Life

Back from the brink?

There are signs hedgehog numbers might be recovering, and we can all do our bit to help them, says Alan Wright of Lancashire Wildlife Trust

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Lancashire Life

Memories of a LANCASHIRE CHILDHOOD

Blackburn-born Sara Foster has had a string of bestsellers on the other side of the world. With her latest novel now out, she reflects on her Lancashire roots

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY
Lancashire Life

The tale of BEATRIX'S VALLEY

Land once owned by Beatrix Potter is at the heart of a noisy row over how we enjoy the Lake District

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Liverpool's pyramid scheme
Lancashire Life

Liverpool's pyramid scheme

We’ve seen the shape of things to come – and it’s a pyramid. But are you ready to spend the afterlife piled high with 34,591 other people in Toxteth?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Around the world in 2000 paintings
Lancashire Life

Around the world in 2000 paintings

Preston artist Martyn Hanks has spent 60 years globetrotting with his paints and brushes

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
WALKING THE BORDER
Lancashire Life

WALKING THE BORDER

This glorious walk in the hills around Earby takes a peek over the county line

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
We will remember them
Lancashire Life

We will remember them

For a hundred years the Cenotaph has been the focal point for a nation’s grief, but few know its connection to Kirkby Lonsdale

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
A pawfect day out
Lancashire Life

A pawfect day out

The grounds of Holker Hall at Cartmel are a favourite with human and canine visitors

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
A LEGACY of LOVE
Lancashire Life

A LEGACY of LOVE

An unusual war memorial in Lancaster is a haven for wildlife and young people from the city

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020