Dancing On Ice 2019 cast: Neighbours icon set to sign for ITV dancing show?
DANCING ON ICE 2019 line-up is beginning to be announced, with several famous faces already set to take to the ice. However, it seems a Neighbours icon could be signing up to join the show.
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Having played Joe Mangel on Neighbours between 1988 and 1991, Mark Little, 58, has been announced to join the Dancing On Ice 2019 cast.
With six celebrates already announced to take to the ice rink for the ITV dancing competition, Mark is one of three famous faces announced today.
As well as being a part of the Channel 5 soap, Mark has appeared on stage in theatre productions, winning awards for his performances.
However, could he be adding another trophy to his collection by taking to the rink and wowing the ice panel?
Mark will add a sense of nostalgia to the show
Speaking to The Sun Online about the Neighbours icon, a show insider revealed: “Bosses were desperate to sign him up.”
“Mark will add a sense of nostalgia to the show - everybody knows who he is,” the source continued.
Defining his icon status, the insider said: “Joe Mangel is a Neighbours' legend to fans old and new.”
Some of Mark’s most notable storylines included becoming a widow, struggling as a single parent and fighting a custody battle to keep his son Toby Mangel (played by Ben Guerens) in his care.
After leaving the soap in 1991, Mark returned to the Australian soap for a four-month stint, reprising his role as Joe for the shows twentieth anniversary.
However, the actor hasn’t returned since and after his brief return, he said he had no intention to return to the soap.
Following Joe's announcement, Coronation Street star Jane Danson, 39, who plays Leanne Battersby on the ITV soap, is also to take to the rink.
The first two contestants for next years cast was announced on ITV’s This Morning on Monday morning.
Speaking about the prospect of dancing on the ice, Gemma told Phillip Schofield, 56, and Holly Willoughby, 37: “I know how hard it is, I've done my research Phil. I am scared and I am nervous. I don’t know how they are going to lift me up.
“I really want to give this a go,” she told the Dancing On Ice hosts.
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Richard revealed he does have previous experience on the ice, saying: “I grew up in Sweden so I used to ice skate out there.
“I can skate but I can normally dance on dry land, but they are two different things,” the actor joked about combining the two elements.
Brian McFadden, 38, of Westlife fame was the fourth contestant to be announced with Loose Woman panelist Saira Khan, 48, being the fifth.
Earlier today, Ryan Sidebottom, 40, was the sixth unveiling swapping the cricket ground for the ice rink.
Dancing On Ice returns in 2019 on ITV.