Well, that shut us up. Just as we were thinking that it was too early for ITV to be announcing Dancing on Ice contestants (we don't even know who's going on I'm A Celeb yet - well, we have an inkling), they only go and tell us that they've bagged Liberty X legend Michelle Heaton.
The singer revealed the exciting news on ITV's Lorraine and she opened up about taking on the new challenge after celebrating one year of sobriety.
Michelle said, "I’m so excited - I can’t believe it. Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general.
"I’ve always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I’m really truly grateful that I’ve got it this year when I’m a lot stronger.”
Michelle's the latest big name to sign up for the show following the announcement that Joey Essex would be taking to the ice.
The news was announced on This Morning with Joey telling hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond, "I’m so happy. I’m so excited, by the way. I wanted something in my life. I quite like structure. It’s more serious than what I normally do. I’ve done all the dating shows in the world. This is a bit more serious."
He also revealed this this hasn't been the first time that he's been approached to enter the show before, "When I came out of the jungle in 2013, I went to meet the producers, sort of did an interview, went on the ice and I think I was just messing about.
"I was probably a little bit more immature back then. I like to say I’ve matured, I’ve grown up. Back then it probably wouldn’t have been right for me and I think the producers knew that. I’m so ready for something like this in this stage of my life."
With this announcement of Joey hitting the ice next year, the Dancing on Ice 2023 line-up is shaping up quite nicely. This comes after Love Island's reigning queen Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was the third celebrity to be announced for the show.
Her announcement on the show came as Ekin-Su teased a behind-the-scenes look at a mystery "major big shoot" involving a giant fake clam. Could this be her Dancing on Ice promo shoot? If we were Dancing on Ice producers we'd put this girl in a giant clam – and then bow and cry a bit.
Who is taking part in Dancing on Ice 2023?
Dancing on Ice may not be returning to our screens until the New Year, but bosses have already begun announcing the line-up of celebrity contestants taking part – and there are some real corkers, so far.
Among the famous faces taking part so far are a soap legend, a sporting icon and a Love Island queen, so without further ado…
CHECK OUT: the Dancing on Ice 2023 line-up so far
Dancing on Ice 2023 line-up
1 of 11Siva Kaneswaran
The final celeb to join this years line-up is The Wanted's Siva Kaneswaran. Revealing the news exclusively to ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Siva said, “I’m very excited. I’m trying to be positive and not be in a fearful mindset! I’m looking forward to meeting all the cast. I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see and hopefully not make a fool of myself!”
2 of 11Michelle Heaton
Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton is the latest name to be confirmed for the show. She revealed the news on ITV's Lorraine and said, "I’m so excited - I can’t believe it. Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general.
"I’ve always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I’m really truly grateful that I’ve got it this year when I’m a lot stronger.”
3 of 11Carley Stenson
Carley Stenson, star of stage and screen, was the ninth celeb to join the Dancing on Ice line-up. The actress, who is best known for playing Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks, said, "I'm so excited that I get to learn how to dance...on ice! I'm terrified but can’t wait - I just want to make the most of this whole experience."
4 of 11Darren Harriott
Comedian Darren Harriott, who you might recognise as a regular panellist on the latest series of Love Island spin-off Aftersun, was the eighth DOI 2023 contestant to be revealed.
Announcing the news the news exclusively to Trisha Goddard on Talk TV, Darren said, “I’ve got giant feet, I don't skate and I can't dance! My family has already made bets - they’re making bets that I’ll fall on the first episode!”
5 of 11Joey Essex
TOWIE icon Joey Essex revealed he had signed up to Dancing on Ice during a recent appearance on This Morning.
Telling hosts Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond that he'd been approached for the show before, Joey explained, "I was probably a little bit more immature back then. I like to say I’ve matured, I’ve grown up. Back then it probably wouldn’t have been right for me and I think the producers knew that. I’m so ready for something like this in this stage of my life."
6 of 11The Vivienne
Drag queen and TV personality The Vivienne has also been confirmed to hit the ice. Revealing the news on social media, The Vivienne said, _“_I'm beyond excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing on Ice in 2023! This is honestly a dream come true and I can't wait to start training on the ice.
"To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour. I think it's a big step forward for queer representation on TV.”
7 of 11Mollie Gallagher
Coronation Street star Mollie Gallagher, who has played Nina Lucas on the ITV soap since 2019, was the fifth Dancing on Ice 2023 contestant to be announced. Speaking on Lorraine, she said, "I’m really excited. I’ve not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit!”
When asked about seeking advice from her Corrie co-stars, she added, "I’ll be getting all the tips I can because I’m going to need it!”
8 of 11Nile Wilson
Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson announced he was taking part in DOI during his most recent YouTube video. He said, "I’m going to be on ITV’s Dancing on Ice! This is a really cool thing. I’ve certainly not done much ice-skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I’m so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again."
He added, "My biggest goal on the show is to do something that no one has ever done before!"
9 of 11Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Love Island queen Ekin-Su was the third celebrity to be announced. Revealing her participation on Good Morning Britain she said. "I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned, and see you on the ice."
Ekin-Su's announcement comes after it was revealed her boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti had turned down Dancing On Ice. Can't handle the heat (or lack thereof), hun?
10 of 11John Fashanu
Former England footballer and TV presenter John Fashanu will be taking on. Dancing On Ice. He sad, "I'm so excited to be a part of Dancing on Ice! I don't think it'll come as a surprise to people that I'm very competitive – I am definitely in it to win it. And this may be one of the scariest things I've ever signed up for but I couldn't be more ready for the challenge!"
11 of 11Patsy Palmer
EastEnders icon Patsy Palmer (or Bianca Fowler as she's known on EastEnders was the first celeb to join Dancing On Ice 2023. She announced the news on This Morning live from her United States home.
When asked why she wanted to take part, "Obviously I wanted to challenge myself, get back to work, get out of my comfort zone. I just thought, I’ll just go for it. It seems a lot of fun, I do like ice skating but I'm not an ice skater or figure skater."
When does Dancing on Ice 2023 start?
Despite the first celebrity names being announced, bosses still haven't revealed exactly when Dancing on Ice is back on television. However, the show traditionally begins in January and runs all the way through until March.
Who is hosting Dancing on Ice 2023?
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are expected to return to host Dancing on Ice. The pair hosted the first six series together until Holly was replaced by Christine Bleakley between 2012 and 2014. When the show returned in 2018 after four years off the air, Holly and Phil began hosting the show together once again.
Who are the Dancing on Ice 2023 judges?
The Dancing on Ice judging panel received a bit of a shake-up last year when Oti Mabuse joined Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill, replacing John Barrowman. The same four judges are expected to return for 2023.