Fans are buzzing with excitement as they gear up this Sunday, January 12, when their favorite reality TV show, *Dancing on Ice*, returns on ITV. All eyes are on comedian Josh Jones, who's one new face in this season's line-up. Known and loved by many, Jones openly admits he's more familiar with cracking jokes than gliding on ice, sharing both his thrill and nervousness about taking on this icy challenge.
Reflecting on his past skating mishaps, Jones chuckled when recalling, “I tried it once on a date years ago, and let me tell you, it was a disaster. I spent most time clutching onto railings, and, well, it's no surprise that date didn't lead anywhere.”
Despite some jitters, Jones can't wait (and let's be honest, neither can we) as he takes his first steps onto that rink. He laughs off his dance skills, or lack thereof, saying, “For a gay man, my dancing skills are shockingly bad. I can barely keep a rhythm or clap on beat, so this'll definitely be an experience.”
Josh Jones: From chuckling on stage, now skating on ice
Josh Jones, who hails from Failsworth in Greater Manchester, discovered comedy was his true calling while attending Salford University. What started as a hobby quickly turned serious after a string and some wise advice from a lecturer convinced him he might be onto something.
Jones recalls those early days, saying, “It was nerve-racking at first. I'd do gigs at gong shows where your fate lay in audience hands, and being ‘gonged off' was just part and parcel.”
His early gigs took place in working men and rugby clubs around North West England, often facing crowds not too keen on his humor or candidness about his sexuality. He vividly remembers a show in Yorkshire where, after his first words, an audience member turned away from him.
Yet, through all those moments, Jones persevered, refining his craft and getting recognized as a finalist in 2019's BBC New Comedy Award. His big TV moment came with *Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club* in 2020, marking a turning point in his career.
Josh Jones: A rising comedy star
In 2022, Jones kicked off his very first tour, *Waste Of Space*, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, wowing audiences and cementing his place in comedy. As an openly gay comedian, he often weaves his experiences and insights about sexuality with humor that resonates with many in LGBTQ+ circles.
Coming out at 19, Jones has openly shared stories that shaped his comedic flair. Despite childhood teasing over his voice, he says, “People have joked about my voice forever, but it's part and parcel. Even now, there are some who think I'm hamming it up on TV, yet this voice? It's all me.”
A thrilling season ahead
This latest season brings together an eclectic mix—from Towie's Ferne McCann and Dan Edgar, model Mollie Pearce, former Olympic rower Steve Redgrave, and soap stars Sam Aston and Charlie Brooks. Sadly, athlete Sarah Storey had an unfortunate tumble in rehearsals, fracturing her ankle, and had no choice but withdraw, sharing her regret on social media.
Moreover, this season pays tribute, honoring *RuPaul's Drag Race UK* champion The Vivienne, who reached finals in 2023 but sadly passed on January 5th.
This season, viewers are in store not just spectacle, but also Josh Jones' signature humor and flair on ice. Don't miss it on ITV1 at 6:30 PM on January 12, and keep your eyes peeled as Jones steps out and skates away—perhaps beyond our wildest expectations.
Get involved! Share your thoughts and keep things friendly in our comments. It should be a fun chat!
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