Jason Donovan tipped as Dancing On Ice frontrunner after pipping Becky Vardy in pre-show assessments

BECKY Vardy has put up rink-credible scores in tests to see how well the Dancing On Ice contestants can skate. But the Wag, 38, was pipped by former Neighbours actor Jason Donovan in assessments for the new series. A source said: “Every year the stars are secretly scored by production to see how well they’re […]

BECKY Vardy has put up rink-credible scores in tests to see how well the Dancing On Ice contestants can skate.

But the Wag, 38, was pipped by former Neighbours actor Jason Donovan in assessments for the new series.

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Former Neighbours star Jason Donovan has emerged as an early frontrunner after pre-show skating assessments for Dancing On Ice[/caption]

A source said: “Every year the stars are secretly scored by production to see how well they’re getting on.

“Jason is by far the best but Becky wasn’t too far behind. Although she was nervous, she’s turning out to be a frontrunner. The coaches and choreographers were really impressed by their progress.

“It’s one of the toughest shows but both Becky and Jason have really thrown themselves into training.”

Mum-of-five Becky, wed to England striker Jamie, is partnered with Canadian pro Andy Buchanan.

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Former Corrie star Faye Brookes also impressed[/caption]

Insiders say they face a challenge from Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren Plant and his skating pro Vanessa Bauer. The source added: “Joe and Vanessa have really been putting in the hours. He could be the dark horse.

“Joe is only 18 so people weren’t sure if he’d take the show seriously but he’s really impressed.”

Olympic hurdles hero Colin Jackson, 53, former Coronation Street actress Faye Brookes, 33, and Denise Van Outen, 46, scored well, with insiders rating their progress as promising.

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Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren Plant and his skating pro Vanessa Bauer are also highly rated[/caption]

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Olympic hurdles hero Colin Jackson, 53, also scored well in the assessments[/caption]

Strugglers included comic Rufus Hound, 41, and ex-Towie star Billie Faiers, 30. The source added: “Billie scored lowest out of the female stars. It has not been easy for her.

“Rufus was bottom overall. He’s not a natural and it’s clear he’s going to need a lot more training.”

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will host again, while Olympic greats Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill return as head judges alongside Ashley Banjo and John Barrowman.

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The source added: ‘Billie [Faiers] scored lowest out of the female stars. It has not been easy for her’[/caption]

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Comic Rufus Hound was bottom overall[/caption]

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