Dancing On Ice's Graham Bell tips Rebekah Vardy to win after seeing her skate

Graham Bell has weighed in on his Dancing On Ice co-stars – and who has the best chance of victory.

Chatting exclusively with The Mirror, Olympic skier Graham explained who he reckons are the frontrunners for the first place trophy, tipping Rebekah Vardy and Emmerdale’s Joe Warren-Plant.

Having seen Rebekah’s first routine – which she’ll perform during next Sunday’s opening show – Graham was taken with her skill and work ethic.

And with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield back on hosting duties, and Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and John Barrowman behind the judges desk, Graham’s sure new mates Becky and Joe will impress.

Asked who he thinks will be his stiffest competition, he told us: “I’ll tell you who’s looking good, in case you want to place a bet, is Becky Vardy.

“I’ve seen her first routine, she’s been really hard and taking it really seriously.”

Graham – partnered with pro Yebin Mok – added that Joe Warren-Plant, of Emmerdale fame, is a solid bet as well, especially given he’s paired with Vanessa Bauer, one of the show’s most successful pros.

“Also Joe Warren-Plant from Emmerdale,” Graham added.

“He’s young and he’s with Vanessa Bauer, who’s not been off the podium in the last three years. And she’s never been in a skate off.”

2021’s line-up is one of Dancing On Ice’s most star-studded yet.

Graham, who tells us he “leaped at the chance” to do the show, was confirmed on BBC Breakfast with fellow athlete Colin Jackson.

Along with Graham, Colin, Joe and Becky are names like Denise Van Outen, Billie Faiers and comedian Rufus Hound.

Sonny Jay, Lady Leshurr, Faye Brooks, Myleene Klass and Jason Donvan complete the 2021 cast.

And WAG Becky has thrown herself head first into the glitz and glam that the show brings, sharing a look at a makeover that she’ll be rocking during the series.

“It was certainly a taster of some pre DOI glamour for me,” she enthused, “and I hope that it puts a little sparkle and joy out there for anyone who reads it.”

Last year’s show saw Joe Swash triumph, with Diversity dancer Perri Kiely – partnered with Vanessa – close behind in second.

*Dancing On Ice 2021 launches on Sunday, 17 January on ITV.