Dancing On Ice judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have opened up about how ‘scary’ it was to rehearse an upcoming performance for the 2022 series with a drone, revealing they had a ‘few near misses’.

This week, the ‘greatest show on ice’ is set to return to ITV, as Oti Mabuse joins the judging panel alongside Torvill, Dean and Ashley Banjo following John Barrowman’s exit.

As is always the case on the show, skating legends Torvill and Dean will take to the ice to showcase their stunning talent, with one of their routines this year featuring some innovative technology.

A drone will follow them around as they glide across the rink, providing viewers with a unique, close-up perspective of their dance.

On Wednesday’s Lorraine, the pair spoke to Lorraine Kelly about what it’s been like working with the filming equipment, admitting that while it is ‘exciting’, it’s also been ‘scary’.

‘It was a really exciting project to work with a drone, it’s like having a third person in the partnership so to speak,’ Torvill said.

The performance is sure to be a spectacle (Picture: ITV)

‘The first day of rehearsals for that was a little bit scary because you’ve got this little thing coming towards you and your reaction is to move out the way. You have to have faith that they’re not going to hit you.’

Dean then piped up to say: ‘We had a few near misses,’ as Torvill laughed, admitting that was the case.

The legendary skating duo never disappoint on the ice (Picture: Matt Frost/ITV/Rex)

Nonetheless, Dean explained what audiences will be able to expect from the drone-filmed performance.

‘It is a completely different perspective, it’s never been seen before,’ he said.

‘The drone’s flying over and under and around as we’re performing so we found it really exciting.’

Mabuse’s appointment to the Dancing On Ice judging panel was announced in December last year, as the professional dancer prepares to lend her expertise to Strictly Come Dancing’s rival show.

Saying it was ‘more than an honour’ to join, she stated: ‘As a professional dancer I have always had so much respect for the skating professionals on Dancing On Ice.

‘I can’t wait to see the celebrities thrive as they learn how to ice-skate and to champion the professional skaters as they create incredible choreography,’ the dancer said.

‘Having been on both sides of the table, I know a little bit about how they’ll be feeling. It’s more than an honour and I already can’t wait to join the family.’