Blue star Antony Costa has reportedly signed up to appear as a reserve contestant on the next series of Dancing On Ice.
Earlier this month ITV announced the names of the 12 celebrities taking part in the new series, with the likes of Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor, S Club 7's Rachel Stevens and rugby star Ben Foden among those in the lineup.
This year's series had to be cut short after a total of five celebrities withdrew from the competition due to injury or coronavirus-related reasons, with producers only able to call upon two back-up contestants.
According to The Sun, 40-year-old singer Costa had been in line to appear as part of the main cast for the 2022 series but at the last minute the decision was made to make him first reserve instead.
"Antony was really excited about skating on Dancing On Ice," a source told the newspaper. "It was a big TV comeback for him and would have been a nice money earner.
"He was a little surprised and gutted to not make the main celebrity lineup. And to be honest he wasn't the only one. A few people working on the show and at ITV thought he would have been great for the show.
"Antony was one of the biggest pop stars of his day back in Blue and is a much bigger household name than a few of the others who were chosen instead of him.
"Him missing a main spot has raised a few eyebrows on Dancing On Ice."
The newspaper also claims that TV presenter Jayne Middlemiss is joining Costa as a reserve contestant.
Neil Wilkes
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