Michael Barrymore and Love Island's Maura confirmed for 'Dancing On Ice' 2020

Deepika Rajani
·Contributor
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LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during a photocall for the new series of Dancing On Ice at the Natural History Museum Ice Rink on December 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during a photocall for the new series of Dancing On Ice, 2018. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)

Maura Higgins and Michael Barrymore have been confirmed as the first contestants to take part in the new series of Dancing On Ice.

Ahead of the return of ITV’s hit ice skating talent show in January, DOI hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby unveiled Higgins and Barrymore’s involvement during the latest episode of This Morning.

Joining the hosts via video link, Barrymore spoke of his excitement over joining the show.

“I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone. I'm really excited,” he stated.

Michael Barrymore becomes the 10th person to be evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house during the Grand Final, finishing in 2nd place, at Elstree Studios, north London, Friday 27 January 2006. See PA story SHOWBIZ Brother. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA (Photo by Yui Mok - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
Michael Barrymore becomes the 10th person to be evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother, 2006. (Yui Mok/PA)

He added in a statement: “I'm delighted to say that I'll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020.

“I'm looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I'm very excited...it's performance time!"

Appearing live in the This Morning studio, Higgins admitted that she was nervous about getting on the ice.

Read more: John Barrowman WILL replace Jason Gardiner as 'Dancing on Ice' judge

“I've skated twice in my life for fun so I have no experience at all,” she declared before admitting that she was “frightened” about the prospect of doing the infamous headbanger.

Love Island star Maura Higgins has been confirmed to appear on Dancing On Ice (Photo: ITV)
Love Island star Maura Higgins has been confirmed to appear on Dancing On Ice (Photo: ITV)

The Love Island star also joked that she needs a partner that will keep her in line during rehearsals.

“I don’t want to let anyone down...I need someone strict i think because otherwise i'll throw a strop and lay on the floor.”

Read more: Gemma Collins Overshares Massively

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that American model Caprice will also appear on the show.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Maura Higgins attends Boohoo Maura Higgins Ambassador Event at Nobu Shoreditch on September 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Ricky Vigil/Getty Images for Boohoo)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Maura Higgins attends Boohoo Maura Higgins Ambassador Event at Nobu Shoreditch on September 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Ricky Vigil/Getty Images for Boohoo)

An insider told The Sun: “She's spoken with bosses and is close to signing on the dotted line.

"They think she'd be a great addition and will definitely add some glamour."

“She's had a new lease of life since the brain tumour and is definitely up for the challenge,” the TV source added in reference to the health battle she experienced in 2017.