JUDGES DREAMED OF DANSON ON ICE

TORVILL and Dean handpicked Coronation Street star Jane Danson for the new series of Dancing On Ice.

The skating legends who are closely involved with the ITV show knew that 40-year-old Jane had been on the producers’ wish-list for years.

Christopher Dean, 60, said: “Jane Danson has always been on a list.

“We met her a few years ago and she talked about doing it. We always said call Jane. And it worked out this year.”

Jayne Torvill, 61, added: “If we think of someone who would be interesting we let producers know.”

Actress Jane, who plays Leanne Battersby on the ITV soap, follows Corrie co- stars Brooke Vincent, 26, Antony Cotton, 43, and Samia Longchambon, 36, on to the ice.

She will be the 14th Corrie star on the show and will be partnered with Samia’s professional skater hubby Sylvain, 38.

Olympic champions Torvill and Dean say they expect this series to be better than ever.

A skating cameraman follows contestants for the first time.

And the rink’s corners have been altered, creating a more circular space.

“It makes for an easier flow to keep the speed,” explained Chris. “It will help the skaters. It won’t be easier but it’ll be better. They’ve also got a skating cameraman so we can get on-ice shots. It’s exciting.”

Fans of Torvill and Dean can watch the iconic duo’s story, including their record-breaking Bolero in 1984, in an ITV drama on Christmas Day.

The pair, played by Poppy Lee Friar and Will Tudor, were moved to tears by the show.

Jayne said: “It’s about two kids from a working-class family who followed their passion.”

Dancing On Ice returns on January 6 at 6pm on ITV.