Sonny Jay has revealed his secret to winning Dancing on Ice – the number 13.
Judge Ashley Banjo says the show’s bad luck with injuries and drop-outs was down to it being the 13th series.
But Capital FM host Sonny says that was in his favour – because unlike most people, 13 is his lucky number.
Sonny, 27 – who beat favourite Faye Brookes, 33, to lift the trophy on Sunday – even has it tattooed on his ankle.
“My lucky number is 13,” he says. “It has been for years.
“The fact I won the 13th series is a bit mad. Things started happening on the 13th, like moments with my fiancée Lauren – I knew it meant something. I’m a massive believer of fate.”
Five celebrities were forced off the ice this series. Denise Van Outen, 46, The Only Way Is Essex favourite Billie Faiers, 31, and Neighbours star Jason Donovan, 52, all suffered injury.
Comedian Rufus Hound, 42, and Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren Plant, 18, could not return after getting positive Covid-19 tests.
Diversity star Ashley, 32, said: “Why do I think there’s been so many injuries?
“It’s series 13, I think. Part of it is about it being a bit unlucky.”
Underdog Sonny says some of his pals also cashed in on his luck.
“A few people made some money from me when I was 25/1 to begin with,” he reveals. “I hope they buy me a beer.”
Sonny hated the ice at first – and even host Jayne Torvill, 63, said at the start he had “no talent”.
Sonny says: “I found it so hard and didn’t think I’d enjoy it. Now I love it.”
He says his success has opened up conversations with other shows he would previously have struggled to get on, adding: “It’s no Catchphrase or EastEnders yet but give it a few weeks.”
His dream would be to front a show with close pal and radio co-host Roman Kemp, 28 – who he has already promised to pass his skating skills on to.
“Roman on DoI next year?” he says. “You never know. I told him it’s tough!”
As well as his trophy, Sonny says a bonus is his newfound friendship with fellow competitor Rebekah Vardy, 39.
“Rebekah has become my favourite person,” he admits. “Jamie Vardy invited me for dinner. Winning the show and becoming friends with Jamie – I’ve completed life in one weekend.”
