Dancing on Ice hosts Philip Schofield and Christine Bleakley to skate for first time in last-ever show

(Image credit: © Matt Frost/ITV/REX)

Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley will skate for the first time on the finale of Dancing on Ice.

The hosts will make their skating debuts as they bid farewell to the show, which is being axed after running for nine years.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Fans have wanted Phillip to get his skates on for the past nine years but he has always refused because he doesn't really fancy slipping over and breaking something.

"But after months of arm-twisting by producers, Phillip has finally agreed to give it a whirl. It should be hilarious TV. With Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean doing their last ever performance of the Bolero, too, it could be one of the show's most memorable episodes."

Phillip, 51, will be joined by his co-host Christine, 35, and the panel of judges, including Ashley Roberts and Jason Gardiner, who have all been taking part in secret training sessions.

In fact, Jason and his sparring partner on the judging panel Karen Barber have been seen skating together - and smiling!