‘I’D LOVE TO BE A DOI JUDGE!’
He’s won the show twice before – in 2009 and 2014 – and now Dancing On Ice legend Ray Quinn, 31, has his skates on again for the Christmas special. Here, the Hollyoaks star talks performing tricks and his future plans…
Hi Ray! What’s it like being back on the ice?
Since knowing about this show, I did 12 hours of rehearsals with Alex Murphy and Luke Campbell to just get back on the ice and feel it a bit. I haven’t skated since the tour last year, so it’s been about 18 months or so. It’s tough.
You have a real passion and an understanding for it, because it’s such a demanding sport. What can we expect from the Christmas show?
A nice big surprise! I joined Dancing On Ice in 2009 and I’ve never left. I’m still skating 10 years later. This show is going to be fantastic. Gemma Collins is the star once more. I’ll be doing my tricks. It’s going to be fun.
Are you more fearful because you haven’t skated in a while?
Not because I haven’t done it for a while, but because I’m getting older. Now I’m like, “Ooh, best not try that just in case I break my knee.” I’m not really stepping out of my comfort zone any more and trying to do axels or anything like that. I know I can skate and I enjoy skating, so
I do what I do the best I can.
You were once hailed as Mr Dancing On Ice…
They keep calling me that and bringing me back. I think the team this year is fantastic. And the pros as well. There is a competitive element to the show. The fearlessness of it all, that’s what you’ve got to have.
Would you ever fancy a role as judge?
I did do a screen test for it. I would have loved to.
Are you a fan of hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield?
They’re TV darlings, aren’t they? Always have been. They’re the nation’s favourite presenters. Holly and Phil have been in my life since I was a young boy.
What are you doing aside from Dancing On Ice?
I’m in Bolton in panto and I’ve been recording my album. It’s out next year.
Are you still doing Hollyoaks?
I’ve just finished it. Whether I’m back, I’m not sure. That’s in their hands, but I would love to return.