TELEVISION
Rink outsiders
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T’S cold. It’s dark. It’s January. Time to book a spot on the sofa and watch presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield introduce the latest bunch of celebrities to go hopping, skipping and bumping their way round an ice rink. The new series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice begins tomorrow (Sunday 5 January). As in previous years, a host of inexperienced celebrities have been partnered with professional ice skaters and each week will learn a new routine, which they will then perform in front of a panel of judges. This year, stars gliding (or wobbling) into the spotlight include Coronation Street star Lisa George and former Republic of Ireland footballer Kevin Kilbane, who admits that taking part in the series will be ‘a massive challenge’. Critiquing their efforts are four judges: Olympic ice dancing champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, choreographer Ashley Banjo and – making his debut on the panel – actor and singer John Barrowman. ‘I hope to bring a fresh, fun and fabulous angle to the judging panel,’ he said, when the news was announced. ‘Unlike most, I have been through the rigorous task of skating live in the first series.’ In 2006, John and his professional
New celebrities need to get their skates on, writes Claire Brine skating partner Olga Sharutenko were the fourth couple to be eliminated from the competition – which means that John knows what the contestants are going through. He has been in their shoes (or skates). He knows how exhausting it is to learn a new routine
John’s stint on the ice is bound to affect his view as a judge each week. He understands how nerve-racking it can be to perform live in front of millions of TV viewers. He has experienced the disappointment of losing when he wanted to win. John’s stint on the ice is bound to affect his view as a judge. It may even have an effect on the contestants’ view of him. Perhaps they will consider his words all the more valuable because they come from someone who has been through the same experience. When we are facing life’s hard knocks, it can be a huge comfort to know that we are understood. It helps us to feel less alone.
That’s why millions of people turn to Jesus. In him they find reassurance for whatever they are facing. They know that Jesus suffered the loss of loved ones. That he was rejected for being himself. That he was tempted to do wrong. That he endured physical pain when he died on a cross. Because Jesus knows how difficult life can be, his promise of everlasting love can give us the strength we need to make it through the toughest times. When we feel unsteady, get things wrong or when our world comes crashing down around us, he is willing to be by our side, helping us take the next step. In the Bible, Jesus warns his followers that they will have to face many knocks, setbacks and challenges as they make their way through a harsh world. But he adds that he can help them overcome the biggest problems. ‘In me you may have peace,’ he says. ‘I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33 New International Version). However tough life may become, we don’t have to go through it alone. Jesus can be relied upon to help us through every twist and turn.
4 January 2020 • WAR CRY • 3