DANCING On Ice have confirmed that newsreader Lucrezia Millarini will be taking part in the 2020 series.

Last week The Sun Online exclusively revealed the 43-year-old ITN journalist will swap the newsroom for the ice rink in January where she will battle it out with the likes of Michael Barrymore and Maura Higgins.

A source said: "Lucrezia can't wait to get onto the ice and is looking forward to trying something new and out of her comfort zone.

"Bosses think she's a natural in front of camera and will be a big success on next year's show."

Lucrezia will be very familiar to Londoners as she hosts the daily 6pm ITV News London programme.

In 2013 she read the news on Daybreak, which became Good Morning Britain the following year.

Earlier today it was revealed that footy ace Kevin Kilbane was the third person confirmed for the series.,

Speaking about taking part, the 42-year-old said: "I am going on as a total novice. I'm starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me.

"I've been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let's just see how this one goes."

Kevin retired from football in 2012 while playing for  Coventry City. Throughout his career he also played for Sunderland, Everton, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and both Huddersfield Town and Derby County on loan.

Despite being born and raised in England, Kevin played for the Republic Of Ireland national team because he is of Irish parentage.

Kevin and Lucrezia will now don their skates, alongside eleven other celebrities, in a bid to become champion of the ice.

Michael Barrymore, who was announced yesterday, said of the challenge:  "I'm delighted to say that I'll be joining the Dancing on Ice line-up for 2020.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I'm very excited… it's performance time!"

Maura, who was also announced on yesterday's This Morning, said: "I've skated once in my life for fun, so I've no experience at all.

"I'm up for the challenge. I'm more excited than scared. I'm competitive so I think that will drive me."

Each week the twelve celebrities will skate live with their professional partners in a bid to impress both the panel and the viewers, who will ultimately decide who wins the show.

This year sees John Barrowman join Torvill and Dean and Ashley Banjo on the panel.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby once again return to present the show.

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