Who is Mollie Gallagher in ITV Dancing on Ice 2023?

As Dancing on Ice returns for its next round this weekend, many familiar faces will be strapping on their skates in a bid to impress audiences at home.

The ITV show started its 15th series last week and has already featured a handful of stars. This weekend, one of those taking to the ice will be Corrie star, Mollie Gallagher.

Many will know the 25-year-old Salford-born actress for her role as Nina Lucas, a cafe worker with a unique Victorian gothic style and a no-nonsense attitude, in ITV's Coronation Street. She joined the cast in 2019 and plays the long-lost niece of Corrie legend Roy Cropper.

Read more: ITV Love Island's Ekin-Su confuses fans with string of messages as Dancing on Ice debut is slapped with complaints

One of her biggest storylines included being the victim of a hate crime over the way she looks, which resulted in the death of her boyfriend Seb Franklin. The story was inspired by the true story of the murder of Sophie Lancaster.

Mollie has earned several industry awards for her role in Corrie, including Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards. Before becoming the small-screen actress we all know and love, Mollie had always pursued a career in acting - studying drama at a college in Manchester before moving to London.

Speaking of why she wanted to join the competition, Molly said: "I think I’ve always found the idea of ice skating really magical. There are always ice rinks at Christmas and it has this magic vibe.

"Also, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised that I don’t have very good coordination and I’m always thinking ‘How can I improve it?’ After doing Dancing on Ice, I’ll be able to do anything!

"I don’t even drive but once I do this, I’m going to get that driving license. I don’t really have any hobbies, I just wanted to be an actor growing up and I put all my time into that. Now, I’m lucky enough to act every day on Corrie so it would be nice to have a hobby as well that I enjoy doing."

She continued: "I love performing. This is completely out of my comfort zone so it will be a bit different but I’ve never performed live professionally - Coronation Street was my first job. I’ve not performed live since drama school and I absolutely love it.

"I think with Dancing on Ice, I’m learning a new skill but it is performing and you can create these characters and use your acting skills in that way. So, I’m looking forward to the whole performance element, the costumes and the music!"

The celebs taking part this year's Dancing On Ice are DJ Patsy Palmer, former footballer John Fashanu, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson, TV personality The Vivienne, comedian Darren Harriott, singer Michelle Heaton, TV personality Joey Essex and The Wanted’s Siva Kaneswaran.

They will be partnered with professionals Olivia Smart, Sylvain Longchambon, Vicky Ogden, Klabera Komini, Matt Evers, Alexandra Schauman, Łukasz Różycki, Mark Hanretty, Brendyn Hatfield, Vanessa Bauer, Tippy Packard and Colin Grafton.

This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have returned as hosts. Last year's show was won by dancer and actor Regan Gascoigne. Other previous winners include Jake Quickenden, James Jordan and Joe Swash.

Dancing On Ice returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday January 15 at 6.30pm.
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