Dancing on Ice's Ferne McCann says first experience on the ice left her 'scarred'

Ferne McCann will be taking on the ice rink for the 17th series of Dancing on Ice as it returns on Sunday (12th January) night.

The star has been paired with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield, who has previously shared that this will be his last appearance on the show. In a post he stated: "Excited to be back for my 6th and final season of Dancing On Ice. Let’s make this one the best one." In previous series, Brendyn has been partnered with Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu, and rapper Lady Leshurr.

Speaking about why she decided to participate in the show, Ferne admitted: "This feels like the right time in my life as there were talks last year but it wasn’t the right time seeing as I’d only just given birth to my youngest daughter Finty. I love a challenge and as a fan of the show, what I love most about it is the sporting element."

Ferne came third place in the 2015 series of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, losing against Union J singer George Shelley, and Geordie Shore's Vicky Pattison.

She also starred in the extremely competitive SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2022 and became one of the four finalists alongside AJ Pritchard, Calum Best, and Maisie Smith. She completed the challenge where the contestants had to reach the top of a dune in the Jordanian desert in 40°C heat.

Ferne shared: "This is the first show in my career that my whole family, including Sunday, can watch and be a part of." Before adding, "I just want to enjoy the experience, way back when on other shows I’ve done I always put too much pressure on myself whereas now I’m in such a good place in my life that I just want to be present in the moment and enjoy it."

When asked about any previous skating experience before the show, Ferne revealed that her