Who is John Fashanu in ITV Dancing on Ice 2023?

A second batch of celebs will strap on their skates as we enter week two of Dancing on Ice.

The opening weekend saw the first six couples - which included Michelle Heaton and Ekin-Su Culculoglu - try their hand at impressing the judges.

This week five more celebs will join their professional partners and take to the ice - and among them is former footballer John Fashanu who will be skating with Alexandra Schauman.

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John, 60, was born in London and is the son of Pearl Gopal, a nurse from British Guiana and Patrick Fashanu, a Nigerian barrister.

As a child, he was sent, together with his older brother Justin, to a Barnardo's care home after his parents broke up. When he was five, he and his brother were fostered and were brought up in Shropham near Attleborough, Norfolk.

John's football career stretched 17 years. He started out at Norwich City but is best known for his eight-year stint as a forward at Wimbledon. He played 276 times for the Dons and was prolific in front of goal - scoring 107 times. John was capped twice by England and also played for teams including Lincoln City, Millwall and Aston Villa.

After retiring from football due to injury, John became a television personality and is known for presenting 90s game show Gladiators alongside Ulrika Johnson. He has also appeared on the second series of I'm a Celebrity... Get me out of Here!

John has four children and has been married three times. His brother Justin, who became the first professional footballer to be openly gay, killed himself in 1998.

Discussing why he decided to take part in the show, John said: "I thought this is something which would push my talents. I’ve been good at martial arts, boxing and playing football and the ultimate is doing something that is going to push you to the limits!

"I think Dancing on Ice is going to push me right to the limit much more than any other sports programme."

John Fashanu playing for Wimbledon (Image: Allsport)

Standing 6ft3' John admits the thought of dancing in skates is scary and worries about 'trying to be Bambi on ice'. However he is not worried about any criticism from the judges that may come his way.

He added: "I would think that my mental strength is a plus - that is one of my strengths. I always say ‘Yes, we can make this!’ I would say I’m not as strong as I used to be. I’m an entertainer though and this is a show where I’d love to be able to entertain.

The celebs taking part this year are DJ Patsy Palmer, former footballer John Fashanu, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, Corrie's Mollie Gallagher, TV personality The Vivienne, comedian Darren Harriott, actress Carley Stenson, singer Michelle Heaton, TV personality Joey Essex and The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran.

They will be partnered with professionals Olivia Smart, Sylvain Longchambon, Vicky Ogden, Klabera Komini, Matt Evers, Alexandra Schauman, Łukasz Różycki, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Vanessa Bauer, Tippy Packard and Colin Grafton.

This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have returned as hosts. Last year's show was won by dancer and actor Regan Gascoigne. Other previous winners include Jake Quickenden, James Jordan and Joe Swash.

Dancing On Ice returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday January 15 at 6.30pm.

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