‘There's definitely chemistry in the building – watch this space'

Dancing On Ice’s associate creative director Dan Whiston talks ice-rink romances and why this year’s series is bigger and better than ever

- KIRSTY HATCHER

The latest series of Dancing On Ice skated back onto our screens with a bang at the weekend. Bursting with sequins, Lycra and nervous celebs, the Sunday-night spectacle certainly plays a part in helping to conquer our January blues.

And who better to fill us in on the 14th series than associate creative director Dan Whiston?

The ex-pro skater, who was partnered with the likes of former Corrie actress Hayley Tamaddon and Emmerdale star Gaynor Faye during his stint on the ice, says that this series is going to be “bigger and better than ever”. It promises some jaw-dropping professional routines and what sounds like the most competitive line-up of contestants yet.

The 45-year-old reckons there are six front-runners who could lift the DOI trophy this year, including Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and former Strictly Come Dancing pro-Brendan Cole.

“It will make for a good show because nobody wants a predictable show,” says Dan.

Here, he tells new which celebrity has surprised him the most on the rink, and who is his underdog…

Hi, Dan! We’re so excited Dancing On Ice is back…

This series is going to be mega. The line-up is fantastic and there’s a real competitive energy in the camp. They’re doing so well that potentially on the first couple of shows we’re going to get the standard of weeks seven and eight. We are back and bigger and better than ever. Everything is being thrown at the show to make it the best it’s ever been. We just want to give the nation something that will make them feel warm and fuzzy inside.