Look out here comes Blackpool's latest skate star, actor Joe Warren Plant is playing it cool ahead of his debut on Dancing on Ice

The hit ITV family show returns for a new series on Sunday and Joe will be looking to skate the path of former Emmerdale alumni and fellow Fylde star Hayley Tamaddon and his on-screen father actor Matthew Wolfenden, who both lifted the ice trophy.

Lucky for Joe, he’s had a champion fitting ice rink on the doorstep. He and series partner former champion professional and multiple finalist Vanessa Bauer have spent the last three months in training at the iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena.

The rink was the starting ground of three-times DOI champion Blackpool’s Dan Whiston, who is now creative director for the series.

Award winning actor Joe,18, who has taken a break from his soap role as Jacob Gallagher to compete in the series said: “I’ve done Emmerdale for 10 years now and I haven’t really experienced anything else.

"So Dancing On Ice was just an opportunity I could not turn down. A new skill, to ice skate at such a high level, that I can take on in life and if I can say I can do comfortably - well job done, I’ll be happy. I just want to enjoy it.”

“Live TV is all new for me. I am nervous, it’s such a big show but I think I’ll be okay I like to think I can excel under a bit of pressure.”

The former Baines pupil, who joined Blackpool’s Scream Theatre School when he was four years old, added: “Vanessa has been so dedicated to the show, she’s honestly a great person.

"We’ve been having a good time training, I want to keep doing me and I’m just so excited to get going and do my best. I can’t compare myself to anyone else.”

Joe added the support on the Fylde coast has been a great motivator and the joy of training on home turf has meant mum Steph has been able to still cook his tea after a long days training.

He laughs: “It’s been so nice to be at home, enjoy the experience with my family, the support honestly has been amazing - people in Blackpool, the messages, it’s been fantastic."

Dad Warren and Steph are both delighted with his role in DOI. Warren said: "We are so proud of Joe, all his hard work and resilience is paying off.

"He has been training so hard with Vanessa and it's been quite a challenge.

"We can't wait to see the live show on Sunday - it's going to be exciting and emotional for all the family. All our family and friends are rooting for him and sharing the joy and excitement, it's a wonderful experience."

Jess Bell of Blackpool’s Scream Management, who represents Joe said he was a perfect addition to Dancing On ice, and added the Sunday night series will bring a much needed feel good factor to people right now.

She said: “I am so proud of Joe. He has been working so hard in training over the last few months with his skating partner Vanessa.

“Everyone here at Scream Management just can’t wait to see him skate and perform live on Sunday.

"We are bursting with excitement and will be cheering him on from our front rooms!

"Joe is a wonderful home grown, young talent from Blackpool and we hope the whole of Blackpool get behind him and send their love, votes and support.

"Blackpool has a legendary heritage and innovation with ice skating and ice shows and Joe is taking it to the next level."

Jess and her talent team at Scream Management are on the look out for new talent for the film and television industry and are currently holding virtual auditions.

For more information visit their website www.screammanagement.comDancing On Ice, starts on Sunday 17th January at 6pm on ITV