Ashley signs up to be the new Dancing On Ice UK judge

She scored a big following thanks to her turn in the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle. And now ITV1 bosses are hoping she'll do the same for Dancing On Ice after signing Ashley Roberts up to be the new judge on the 2013 panel.

The former Pussycat Dolls star has been confirmed as the new judge, and she's already spoken of her excitement over the role. The 31-year-old told the Daily Mirror: "I’m beyond excited. We have some fantastic names lined up for next year – and to work alongside Torvill & Dean is such an honour." She then added: "They’re absolute legends."

The dancer is said to have been chosen thanks to her 'dance and performance expertise' although she's had no former experience of ice skating. She will join Jason Gardiner, who returns as judge this year after his exit two years ago, Karen Barber and Robin Cousins, who will return to head the panel. And it means Ashley will help decide the fate of stars such as Pamela Anderson, Lauren Goodger and Keith Chegwin, who have all signed up to compete on the latest series.

The move also means she's followed in the footsteps of some of her fellow former Pussycat Dolls stars judging British TV talent shows. Kimberly Wyatt has spent the last few years judging Got To Dance, while it's thought producers are hoping Ashley will have the same effect that Nicole Scherzinger has had on sexing up The X Factor this year.

Executive producer of the programme, Katie Rawcliffe, told The Sun: "I'm really pleased we have Ashley on board, Karen and Jason back and Robin as head judge. Between the four of them they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in ice-skating, performance and dance and they are very vocal in their opinions."

Dancing On Ice will start January 6th 2013 at 6:15pm on ITV1!