Ferne McCann shows off her impressive skating skills as Dan Edgar practises daring lifts during gruelling Dancing On Ice training

Ferne McCann showed off her impressive skating skills while Dan Edgar practiced some daring lifts ahead of their performance on Dancing On Ice.

The Only Way Is Essex is sparkling and ready to battle it out on the rink when the hit ITV show kicks off in January and has undergone grueling training sessions.

Ferne, 34, who works with Brendyn Hatfield, wrapped up against the cold in a white fleece and black leggings.

Professional Brendyn was seen lifting her into the air at one point as she moved gracefully across the ice.

Elsewhere, Dan, 34, and his partner Vanessa James Amoros were laser-focused as they practiced their routine both on and off the ice.

The TV personality wore a white quarter-zip and black sweatpants for another long day of rehearsals.

The Only Way Is Essex stars set to battle it out on the rink when the hit ITV show kicks off in January

Speaking to MailOnline at the Pride Of Britain Awards, Ferne explained her concerns about taking part in the ITV competition.

She said candidly: ‘Everyone has said to me, “Oh, can you skate?” and I found it a very difficult question to answer. No, I can’t skate, I did Winter Wonderland on Sunday.

‘Normally I bend over a penguin to hold her up. I’m very fit, I love training, but this is a completely different story and it’s a challenge.

“I can now skate after my two-week training is in full swing and it’s a lot of fun and great to learn a new skill.”

The reality TV star added: “It’s just a challenge. I’ve been looking on YouTube and scrolling through the Dancing On Ice Instagram and I just want to focus day by day instead of watching because it puts me off.

“In my mind, where I am right now, I can’t see how I’m going to get ready for the show live. It’s not right.’

Ferne explained that she balances parenthood well, as the training only takes two hours a day, five days a week.

She noted: “Sunday is at school, you know, my mum has Finty so it’s a nice balance and I get to train at Chelmsford rink so it’s local.”

Ferne, 34, who works with Brendyn Hatfield, wrapped up against the cold in a white fleece and black leggings

Professional Brendyn was seen at one point lifting her into the air as she moved gracefully across the ice

Elsewhere, Dan, 34, and his partner Vanessa James Amoros were laser-focused as they practiced their routine both on and off the ice

The TV personality wore a white quarter-zip and black sweatpants for another long day of rehearsals

Before he went onto the ice, he saw Vanessa going up into the air on solid ground

She leaned back and threw her arms into the air in one motion

In another move, Vanessa did the splits while being held above Dan’s head

Dan was deep in concentration as she taught him

Once he felt comfortable, they went in to try out the lifts on the ice

After it was announced he was taking part, Dan said: ‘I’m looking forward to it, but the thought of the live shows and performances is very real.

“I like to think I can skate a little, but I’m a terrible dancer, so that bit needs some work.”

In March it was revealed that Holly Willoughby has been offered a lucrative deal by ITV bosses to return as presenter of Dancing On Ice next year in a bid to keep her at the channel.

For the first time in twenty years, the presenter is not contracted for a show on the channel, leaving the door open for their rivals to hire her.

But The Mail on Sunday revealed that the program will return for another season, and that they are already in talks with Holly about her anchoring it alongside Stephen Mulhern, in a clear sign for other broadcasters to keep their hands off their star.

A source close to the show said: ‘Dancing On Ice will definitely return in 2025 and the plan is for Holly to host the show.

‘Contracts are being negotiated but the heads love her and they know there are others who would love to sign her up but ITV love her and they want to keep her a big part of the ITV furniture for years to come.

Speaking to MailOnline at the Pride Of Britain Awards, Ferne explained her concerns about taking part in the ITV competition.

She said candidly: ‘Everyone has said to me, “Oh, can you skate?” No, I can’t skate, I did Winter Wonderland on Sunday

“I can now skate after my two-week training is in full swing and it’s a lot of fun and great to learn a new skill,” added Ferne

After it was announced he was taking part, Dan said: “I’m looking forward to it, but the thought of the live shows and performances is very real.”

“I like to think I can skate a little bit, but I’m a terrible dancer, so that bit needs some work,” he added.

Vanessa looked fantastic in a black swimsuit while working out

In March it was revealed that Holly Willoughby has been offered a lucrative deal by ITV bosses to return as presenter of Dancing On Ice next year in a bid to keep her at the channel.

“Holly really has a love for the show. It has really catapulted her career from a children’s presenter into adult television, so ITV is very much hoping she agrees to the deal.”

Sources say the upper echelons of ITV are also looking at other big shows for her to present after she quit This Morning after 14 years last October following a plot to kidnap and kill her, as the BBC is said to be determined to hire her hosting more of their programs.

Meanwhile, skating experts Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean are said to be ‘super excited’ about the show’s return, as their tour to celebrate 50 years of skating together will begin shortly after the end of next year’s series.

A friend of the Olympic champions said: ‘Dancing On Ice will tie in nicely with their tour so they are really keen to return next year. It all falls into place perfectly for them.’