Coronation Street actress Jane Danson has opened up about working with Sylvain Longchambon on the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice - which launches this Sunday (6th January). The 40-year-old, who has played Leanne Battersby on the soap on and off since 1997, has revealed that there's something slightly tricky about being partnered with him.
The 38-year-old, who joined the show in 2011, is married to Jane's Corrie co-star Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria Connor on the soap, after meeting on the show and being paired up in the 2013 series. They became engaged in 2015 and got married in 2016, and also share three-year-old son Yves.
Jane has now opened up about how training has been going for the show, and revealed that whilst she has an advantage thanks to the pair being friends already, it doesn't mean that he's gone easy on her!
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Jane said, "It’s great, because the foundations are already there. You know, we do know each other but we’re getting to know each other in a dancing capacity and I’m not a trained dancer so it’s quite difficult.
"Obviously he is a trained dancer so it comes so naturally to him. So it really is like being back at school a lot of the time. And just ’cause we’re friends, he’s not gone easy. He’s quite the perfectionist!"
Dancing On Ice 2019 contestants - slider Radio with cover pic
1 of 13Swipe through to see which celebrities are taking part in Dancing On Ice 2019...
2 of 13Gemma Collins
Gemma Collins was one of the first celebrity skaters to be confirmed for a brand new series of Dancing on Ice 2019.
3 of 13Richard Blackwood
Richard Blackwood was announced along with Gemma Collins as one of the first celebrities to be taking part in Dancing On Ice 2019.
4 of 13James Jordan
Ballroom dancer James Jordan was the third celebrity to be announced. Speaking about the show he said, "I can dance but I'm a lot older than I used to be. People are going to probably say I've got an unfair advantage but when I got on the ice I actually shocked myself how bad I was. I want to be able to impress Torvill and Dean more than anyone else, but I'm a lot worse than I thought I'd be."
5 of 13Brian McFadden
Former Westlife singer Brian McFadden was the fourth celebrity to be announced. When asked about his involvement he said, "I'm very excited. I've already been practising out the back garden on my rollerblades and my mum says I'm a one man Torvill and Dean."
6 of 13Saira Khan
TV presenter Saira Khan appeared on The Apprentice back in 2005. She is now a panellist on Loose Women. Saira is the fifth celebrity to be announced.
7 of 13Ryan Sidebottom
International cricketer Ryan Sidebottom is the sixth celebrity to join the line-up for Dancing On Ice 2019.
8 of 13Melody Thornton
Former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton will be taking to the ice next year. The singer said, "I guess the cat's out of the bag. I'm so excited, I can't wait to see you and I can't wait to do some skating for you!"
9 of 13Mark Little
Mark Little, former Neighbours star (Joe Mangel) and comedian has been announced as the eighth celebrity to take part in Dancing On Ice.
10 of 13Jane Danson
Coronation Street actress Jane Danson, known for playing Leanne Battersby will be hoping for the same success as her co-star Brooke Vincent who took part last year.
11 of 13Saara Aalto
Saara Aalto appeared on The X Factor in 2016, now she is hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year's winner, who was The X Factor's Jake Quickenden.
12 of 13Didi Conn
Best known for playing the role of Frenchie in the iconic film Grease, Didi Conn will be taking to the ice rink for Dancing On Ice 2019.
13 of 13Wes Nelson
Love Island's Wes Nelson will be joining the line-up for Dancing On Ice 2019. Speaking about the show Wes said, "Gemma Collins is going to wipe the floor with me, I'm super intimidated. I've been looking at the line up thinking 'oh my gosh!' Of course you'll be seeing my hips on the ice and the hips don't lie!"
Both Sylvain and Jane have been keeping their fans updated with how their training is progressing on social media, and Jane shared some official shots of her skating to her Instagram with an excited message last week.
She wrote, 'So excited to be part of this years show. An amazing opportunity to work with all the amazing team- cannot wait 😃.' [sic]
Sylvain shared the same set of photos, and wrote, 'Happy new year everyone!! Dancing on ice here I come!! Looking forward to kicking off a great series on Sunday, hope you’ll all be watching ⛸💥⭐️!!' [sic]
Dancing On Ice launches this Sunday 6th January on ITV at 6pm.