Football ace Kevin Kilbane joins Dancing On Ice calling the show a ‘massive challenge’

FOOTBALLER Kevin Kilbane is the third celebrity skater confirmed for Dancing On Ice.

The 42-year-old revealed he was taking to the ice on Talksport Radio today and will be joining Michael Barrymore and Maura Higgins, who were announced yesterday.

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Speaking about taking part, he said: "I am going on as a total novice. I'm starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me.

"I've been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let's just see how this one goes."

Kevin retired from football in 2012 while playing for  Coventry City. Throughout his career he also played for Sunderland, Everton, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and both Huddersfield Town and Derby County on loan.

Despite being born and raised in England, Kevin played for the Republic Of Ireland national team because he is of Irish parentage.

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He won 110 caps for them - third behind only Robbie Keane and Shay Given as the most capped Irish player of all time.

Kevin will now don his skates, alongside eleven other celebrities, in a bid to become champion of the ice.

Michael Barrymore, who was announced yesterday, said of the challenge:  "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!"

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Maura, who was also announced on yesterday's This Morning, said: "I've skated once in my life for fun, so I've no experience at all.

"I'm up for the challenge. I'm more excited than scared. I'm competitive so I think that will drive me."

Each week the twelve celebrities will skate live with their professional partners in a bid to impress both the panel and the viewers, who will ultimately decide who wins the show.

This year sees John Barrowman join Torvill and Dean and Ashley Banjo on the panel.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show.

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