The Wanted star Siva Kaneswaran has been announced as the final celebrity to join the Dancing On Ice line-up as he said his late bandmate Tom Parker inspired him.
The singer was revealed as the 11th and last star joining the show next year during Good Morning Britain, yesterday.
The Dubliner said: “I am trying to be positive about it and not have a fearful mindset.
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“I am looking forward to meeting all the crew. I am quite competitive but not to the point where it is unhealthy. I also want to try and focus on the joy of it.”
The 33-year-old also spoke of how Parker motivated him to take on the show. He died in March, 17 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Asked how he is coping, Kaneswaran said: “To be honest, just living day by day. Some days it is very difficult but mostly I look back and smile.
“He taught me so much about life. He taught me to live life to the fullest and not be afraid. It is one of the reasons why I am doing this show.”
The singer said he had just spoken to Parker’s widow Kelsey on Monday. He added: “She is doing well. Obviously the same
situation.
“She is staying positive – positive Parkers. But mostly just keeping her chin up and taking it day by day. It was just inspiring to watch him, considering all the things he was going through, to show up with a smile on his face.
“He would always make you think about what is happening in the future. Like, ‘When are we doing a tour? ‘When are we doing more music?’
“He always had a positive attitude towards the future. That is one of the gifts he has given me, I think all of us.”
He joins singer Michelle Heaton, drag queen The Vivienne, EastEnders actress and DJ Patsy Palmer. Also taking part are former
footballer John Fashanu, Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu, Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson,
Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher.
Also in the line-up are The Only Way Is Essex star Joey Essex, comedian Darren Harriott and Hollyoaks actor Carley Stenson. Siva is already a frontrunner with Ladbrokes to win the show, with the bookies making him just 8/1 to go all the way.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Siva will be flying the flag on the next series of Dancing On Ice, with the odds suggesting he’ll be right up there as one of the frontrunners to go all the way.”
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