Dancing on Ice judges Torvill and Dean fear Michael Barrymore will struggle to find his feet in the show.
Jayne Torvill, 62, warned that 67-year-old Michael’s age could affect his mobility on skates. She said: “He’s the oldest male we’ve ever had on the show. He’s got a challenge there.”
Having watched Barrymore’s debut appearance on the ice, Christopher Dean, 61, said: “It was tentative.
"There’s no magic to this. You’ve got to put the time in, and get the balance and get the confidence more than anything.”
Barrymore, a huge star in the 1990s as host of shows such as Strike It Lucky, is in from the cold after his career hit a wall when party guest Stuart Lubbock died at his house in 2001.
Christopher said: “We’re excited about Michael being back. I think he’s ready to get back on TV. It was a pleasure to meet him, a treat to meet him.”
Jayne added: “Good on him for giving it a go.”
When the show kicks off in January, the stars Barrymore will be up against include actor Joe Swash, 37, Love Island’s Maura Higgins, 29, and model Caprice, 48.
Gemma Collins, 38, who was in the last series, has urged fans to get behind Michael.
The Only Way Is Essex legend said: “Michael is absolutely terrible apparently.”
