Perfecting their moves! The Dancing On Ice stars get a last bit of practice in ahead of Sunday's live show
By Holly Thomas
Last updated at 10:39 AM on 7th January 2012
It's glitter and sequins a-go-go as stars prepare themselves for their Dancing On Ice debut on Sunday.
With the opening show so close, practice has been stepping up a gear, and the celebrities have been taking to the ice to perfect their moves.
Nerves are clearly staring to take hold, as Sugababes star Heidi Range tweeted tonight: 'Just finished dress rehearsal for DOI with a live audience. Hope to stay calmer than i did tonight on the live show! NERVOUS! x'
Final touches: Sugababes star Heidi Range got some practice in for Sunday's live show with professional skater Chris Dean this afternoon
Don't slip! Jorgie Porter tried out what looked like rather a tricky move with the help of trainer Chris
The 28-year-old has been grateful for fans' support however, and she posted earlier this week: 'Thanks for all your lovely tweets about me doing DOI. It's scary and hard but so exciting and i'm loving it! x'
The line-up also includes actor Corey Feldman, Jennifer Ellison, skier Chemmy Alcott, freerunner Sebastien Foucan, EastEnders' Laila Morse, Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden, Mark Rhodes and Sam Nixon, Corrie star Andy Whyment, Hollyoaks’ Jorgie Porter, former Blue Peter host Andy Akinwolere, Dallas actress Charlene Tilton, fitness guru Rosemary Conley and X Factor’s Chico.
Christina Bleakly has shaken off her lackluster Daybreak reception to co-present the show alongside veteran Philip Schofield.
Whoops! Laila Morse appeared to have had a mishap while finding her feet on the ice
Whatever works: It was a fairly simple move, but Charlene Tilton looked pretty pleased nevertheless
Olympic legend Katarina Witt and Pineapple Dance Studios’ Louie Spence are readying themselves to join Robin Cousins on the judging panel.
Heidi, Rosemary, Jorgie, Jane, Charlene and Laila were all pictured today perfecting a few tricks with professional skater Chris Dean, while a few of the others struck out alone on the ice.
Meanwhile One And Only singer Chesney Hawkes, 40, is recovering after sustaining a severe ankle sprain and fractured fibula during training with professional partner Jodeyne Higgins.
Rather theatrical! Actor Corey Feldman appeared to be getting confused with the day job
Going it alone: While some of the other celebs stuck together for support, Andy Whyment struck out by himself
All together now! Jane Torvill and Charlene Tilton found their feet with Chris's help
He has been replaced by former X Factor contestant Chico, who has promised to skate 'for Chesney and do him proud'.
Appearing on the Daybreak, Hawkes admitted it was frustrating the past two months of training had gone to waste, but was hopeful he could appear on DOI in 2013.
Chesney said: 'I am gutted not to be taking part in Dancing On Ice. I was having a brilliant time and couldn’t wait to finally be skating live on national TV!
Keeping positive: Despite the daunting prospect of performing in less that two days, Rosemary Conley kept cheerful during rehearsals
Getting the hang of it? Laila nervously attempted to strike a pose
'It wasn’t even a spectacular fall, it was a slight stumble as I practiced with my skating partner,' he revealed. 'I think my children are the most disappointed - they were so excited at the prospect of watching me skate.
He added: 'I’m determined to be back on the ice. I might not be able to appear in this series but hoping I will be able to appear in the show next year!'
It's Chico time! The late arrival appeared to be catching up quickly as he performed the splits
Stretching himself to the limit? Matt looked almost as though he was about to do a cartwheel
Chico Slimani, who found fame on the 2005 series of X Factor and later reached number one on the charts with It's Chico Time, noted that his inclusion in the competition was bittersweet.
The 40-year-old said: 'Whilst I'm really excited about being part of the new series of Dancing On Ice it's not necessarily in the best of circumstances. I wish Chesney all the best and a speedy recovery.
He added: 'I will not just be skating for myself, I will be skating for Chesney as well and do him proud.'
Dancing On Ice kicks off on ITV on Sunday at 6.30pm.
On the judging panel: Louie Spence, Katarina Witt and Robin Cousins will be dealing out their verdicts on the contestants' performances
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2083407/Dancing-On-Ice-2012-Stars-bit-practice-ahead-Sundays-live-show.html#ixzz1ilmssI2B
