Two Kent celebrities – a comedian and a TV performer – have been confirmed in the line-up for the new series of Dancing on Ice.

Thanet's Lou Sanders and Gogglebox star Stephen Webb, originally from Sittingbourne, are among the announced contestants for the ITV programme’s 16th season.

Sanders grew up in Broadstairs before finding fame as a comic and writer, while Webb was born in Sittingbourne and worked as a hairdresser before being cast in Channel 4’s Gogglebox in 2013.

Webb revealed in September he was stepping away from the reality TV show to pursue other opportunities and has now confirmed that he will take part in Dancing on Ice.

Despite having minimal skating experience, Webb told daytime TV host Lorraine Kelly that he was looking forward to the new challenge.

“I'm really excited, really nervous, I just want to get out there now,” said the 52-year-old.

“I start really soon – I've got my masterclass next week with Torvill and Dean with the other celebs and the week after I start full-time training."

"The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing."

A hobbyist rollerskater, comedian Sanders may be better prepared than most competitors to take to the ice.

Nevertheless in an interview on Dave’s Question Team the stand-up comic, who has appeared on various panel shows including Would I Lie to You and Taskmaster, said she too felt nervous about the potentially dangerous performances.

“I’m nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head,” she said.

“I can’t afford to lose any more brain cells.

“I’m also worried about my partner picking me up, he’s going to have to be very strong and very brave.”

Other stars confirmed for the line-up are DJ Adele Roberts, World Champion Boxer Ricky Hatton MBE, actress Claire Sweeney, actress and singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies and Olympic Champion and presenter Greg Rutherford MBE, TV personality Miles Nazaire and actor Ricky Norwood.

The show will begin airing on ITV in January 2024.