This year’s ‘Dancing On Ice’ contestants are being told to have a lean Christmas so they are in shape for series. The contestants - which include Paul McCartney’s ex-wife Heater Mills, 80s singer Sinitta and comedian Bobby Davro – have been warned against indulging in too much festive feasting, so they will be fit and ready for the series when it starts in the new year.

A show insider said: “It’s always difficult for the stars, because they want to cut loose and stuff their faces like the rest of the nation. But they have to be seriously strict with their diet if they want to maintain the fitness levels they have built up during early training for the show.

“So that means no mince pies or second helpings of Christmas cake.”

The stars have been working with Olympic gold medal winning duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean to get ready for the show, which will see former Spice Girl Emma Bunton join the judging panel, alongside Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner and Robin Cousins. ‘Dancing On Ice’ starts on Sunday, January 10 on ITV1.