Jayne Torvill is surprised how fearless Didi Conn has been during her 'Dancing on Ice' training.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

The pro ice skater believes the ITV audience will fall in love with the 67-year-old film star because she is "so charismatic", but she has been shocked at just how courageous the 'Grease' legend is on the ice for "her age".

When asked who has surprised them the most, Jayne said: "I think Didi, she's so charismatic. You're charmed by her, but also, she's not as fearful as she should be for someone of that age. She seems to really love it and really enjoy.

"She can skate around on her own and she's quite confident. She's got a great partner.

"The audience will just fall in love with her."

As well as judging alongside Jason Gardiner and Ashley Banjo, Jayne and her pro ice skating partner Christopher Dean will be setting the celebrity contestants special challenges on next year's show.

Christopher explained: "We're going to do judges' challenges almost every week. On Mondays and Tuesdays we'll be telling them what the challenge is and then helping them master the technique, as opposed to choreography.

"They have to include something in each routine after week two. It'll be a bit of a leveller for some of them."

Jayne admits it will be "easier to judge" the celebrities, but the panellists will not be involved in the stars' whole routines.

Speaking at the series launch at London's Natural History Museum, Christopher said: "Everybody will have a similar thing to do. If it's a spin we'll see how well they've mastered them.

"From the audience point of view they will be able to see who has done it better.

Jayne added: "We'll be dealing with a couple of elements that have to be in the routine, we have nothing to do with the whole routine."

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