Big John @ Breakfasts Ice Factor Grand Final!

Five novice ice dancers chosen for the final of an ice competition spectacular are getting their skates on in preparation for a nail biting showdown.

The group will soon be hitting the ice in a bid to determine which one of them will be crowned Big John @ Breakfast’s Ice Factor Champion 2008 at iceSheffield. 

The show, which was created as part of iceSheffield’s fifth birthday celebrations earlier this year, will see finalists go up against Hallam FM presenter Michelle Dignan during the iceSheffield Christmas Show on 5 December.

The chosen finalists are Kelly Frost, 24, from Chesterfield, Tim Drake, 42 from Conisbrough, and Katie Exley, 29, Craig Smith, 31, and Helen Lowes, 28, all from Sheffield (View Skater Profiles).

They were selected from over 600 applicants and beat off stiff competition in the semi finals to secure their place in the final five.

Kelly Frost said: “I am ecstatic to have been chosen as a finalist for the Ice Factor. I am really enjoying the challenge and I am putting in lots of hard work and long hours to improve my new skills. 

“I love coming to iceSheffield to train and receive great help from the coaches to learn new techniques and improve my confidence on the ice. To win would be a huge achievement and I am already planning to continue skating after the competition.”

The skaters have been paired up with coaches from the Sheffield International Venues managed facility to partner them in the final, and have been receiving one to one and group tuition to perfect their skating technique. 

In addition, each will be given a new pair of skates from Puck Stop, a unique skating outfit and VIP access to watch the Sheffield Steelers.

iceSheffield’s lesson coordinator and Ice Factor’s show director, David Hartley, said: “All the finalists have been working really hard to train for the final show and are progressing really well, despite being virtual beginners when the process started.

“We are excited to see the skaters go up against each other and Michelle from Hallam FM in the final, and I’m sure the evening will be very competitive!”  

The show will feature a collection of sparkling performances from iceSheffield’s Christmas at the Movies blockbuster, which features dancers and skaters covering hit films including Mary Poppins and Moulin Rouge.

In addition, stars of Sheffield’s City Limits Dance School who will add to the show’s seasonal sparkle with dazzling displays of Latin ballroom and street dancing capturing the magic of the movies.

Terms and Conditions The Ice Factor text competition is being operated by Ice Sheffield, part of Sheffield International Venues Limited. Customers are asked to text a specified number (to be confirmed at the end of the competition) followed by a space and then your preferred performance. Customers will be charged 25p, plus your standard network rate. Should customers have any questions about this service, please contact 0114 2233900 or email info@icesheffield.com