From the cobbles to the rink: Corrie’s Jane Danson joins Dancing On Ice

Coronation Street star Jane Danson will take to the ice rink in the new series of Dancing On Ice.

Danson, famous for her role as Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap, is the ninth contestant to be announced for the programme, which returns to the screen next year.

The actress, 39, appeared in a picture on Dancing On Ice’s Instagram account, with the caption: “What happens when you take one of Coronation Street’s own and sign them up for Dancing On Ice … ?

“#DansonOnIce, that’s what. See you on the rink, Jane Danson!”

Danson has played trouble-maker Leanne in Corrie on and off since 1997. She has also appeared in The Bill and Children’s Ward.

She follows former Pussycat Dolls star Melody Thornton and Australian actor Mark Little, who were also revealed to be taking part in the new series.

Thornton, 34, rose to fame in the singing and dancing ensemble along with the likes of Nicole Scherzinger and Ashley Roberts, who is taking part in Strictly Come Dancing.

The singer has also appeared in British TV reality shows Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls.

Little, 58, is best known for playing Joe Mangel in soap Neighbours in the late 1980s and 1990s.

They join the likes of former Westlife star Brian McFadden, The Only Way Is Essex regular Gemma Collins and musician and EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood in the line-up.

The other stars already confirmed are cricketer Ryan Sidebottom, Loose Women panellist Saira Khan and former Strictly professional James Jordan.

The 10th series, aired at the beginning of 2018, was won by singer Jake Quickenden and was hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean on the judging panel.

Dancing On Ice returns in January.