North East celebrities who have previously competed in Dancing On Ice

Dancing On Ice 2023, began yesterday (January 15), at 6.30pm on ITV.

Former Liberty X member Michelle Heaton is one of the celebrities competing. The Gateshead-born star made her debut on the ice with her partner Lukasz Rozycki, performing to Shania Twain’s track, Waking Up Dreaming.

Michelle spoke on the show about her battle with alcohol addiction, and how it had stopped her from competing in the show in previous years. Michelle is now two years sober, and frequently discusses her battle and recovery to help others who may be struggling.

Michelle is one of only four people from the North East who have competed in the show across its 17-year run.

The first North East celebrity to appear and compete on the show was Denise Welch, who competed in series six in 2011. She was partnered with Matt Evers. Sadly, she was the seventh celebrity to be eliminated.

Former Byker Grove star, Donna Air competed in series 10 of the show, in 2018. She was partnered with Mark Hanretty. Donna left the competition in a double elimination alongside Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton. The series was won by X Factor star, Jake Quickenden.

In series 13, which aired in 2021, we saw former Olympic artistic gymnast Amy Tinkler take to the ice. Amy, from Bishop Auckland stepped in to replace Denise van Outen after she sustained an injury. Amy was partnered with Joe Johnson, but was the fourth person to be eliminated from the competition.

The son of Paul Gascoigne also competed in the show, in the 2022 series. Regan Gascoigne, who is a professional dancer, ended up winning the show alongside his partner Karina Manta. Regan however, is not a Geordie like his dad, as he was born and raised in Hertfordshire.

Dancing On Ice will air on ITV weekly, on Sunday evenings. You can catch up episodes of the show on ITVX.