Dancing on Ice' Dan Whiston says 'expect the unexpected' for tonight's semi-finals with some added props

The champion performer and choreographer said the cast and crew have come out of the other side of a tumultuous few weeks “ready and raring to go” after a series of injuries and positive Covid tests forced five couples to depart the show prematurely, including promising Blackpool actor Joe-Warren Plant.

It also forced the first TV break in the ITV entertainment’s show’s history.

But Dan said the team was grateful for the 10-day rest to help reinvigorate the creative juices behind the show’s routines, and credited the Fylde coast as the place to inspire the magical concepts that light up the ice on Sunday evenings.

Dan, 44, said: “It’s been tough, no doubt about it. As a team, one of things we’ve come to realise in the years making the show is, ‘Expect the unexpected’.

“There have been all the added pressures this year, obviously, with all the added precautions and measures introduced, so while the break wasn’t usual for us, those added days of rest gave everyone an opportunity to stop and catch up.

“It’s a whirlwind making Dancing on Ice; fast-paced, 100mph, but actually this series it was needed to light up the belly and get refocused.

“For me, being able to drive back, enjoy a day at home, take a walk along the Promenade – that’s the time the ideas run in full flow.

“Blackpool is such an inspiring place to be. I jot it all down and take it back, ready to recreate it all on the rink.

“Sunday’s show will be exciting. I love prop week!”

The current Dancing On Ice series has been cut short after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus, with the final being brought forward to next Sunday.

Tonight's semi-final will see Colin Jackson, Lady Leshurr, Faye Brookes, and Sonny Jay compete against each other to land a spot in the final.

Dan added: “We’ve got four great couples left . This year’s series really could go to any of them and everyone has really ramped it up this week.

“And, with prop week, we know they can have a mind of their own. We have some new ones too!”