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Dancing On Ice will return in 2021 with bumper budget to secure top talent amid coronavirus pandemic
DANCING On Ice will return in 2021 with ITV bosses lining up a bumper budget to secure top ranking stars.
Insiders told The Sun how casting for the show had already begun, with the professional skaters preparing to meet their potential celebrity partners as early as July.
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The ongoing coronavirus pandemic had thrown the TV industry into limbo however now lockdown measures are easing, broadcasters are looking at safe ways to work.
The broadcaster’s decision to continue with Dancing On Ice comes as the BBC confirmed The Sun’s report about EastEnders returning to filming next month.
A source said: “It’s full steam ahead for next year’s show and casting is already well underway.
“The professional skaters will be meeting potential celebrity partners on the ice next month to see how they pair up.
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“It takes some time to get the celebs up to speed so they’ll spend a lot of time on the ice to make sure they’re definitely keen to go ahead. It’s only after this that they’ll be confirmed.
“All training will be done safely and with the teams abiding by social distancing rules.”
This year’s series, which was won by Joe Swash, was a ratings hit and ITV are keen to secure some top talent to ensure viewing figures remain high.
The insider added: “ITV have taken a hit like all the broadcasters so they’re pumping cash into the show in a bid to make it a real ratings winner again.
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“The budget for talent has been inflated so they can splash out on a couple of really big names.
“Dancing On Ice has increased in popularity over the years and now it’s picked up a real following, they want to keep the momentum high.”
Earlier this month The Sun exclusively revealed how ITV bosses had created a back-up plan in case Dancing On Ice could not go ahead.
An insider told The Sun On Sunday how chiefs had filmed a series of spin-off shows which looked back at the most memorable moments from the past 12 series.
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Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are expecting to return as hosts, while Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will reprise their roles as judges.
John Barrowman joined the panel on the last series, alongside fan favourite Ashley Banjo.
ITV had no comment when approached about Dancing On Ice returning to air.
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