Daniel J. Whiston, born on 21 November 1976 in Blackpool, is a celebrated professional ice skater and television personality. The son of Marj and William Whiston, Daniel has been closely associated with the Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Ice Arena, where he began skating at age seven and performed in numerous productions. He made his debut in the arena’s show at 18 and later toured North America with Grease on Ice. Until 2006, Whiston starred in the Pleasure Beach’s Hot Ice Show, with his performances featured on DVDs such as Quixotic, Xylatomia, and Chill.
In television, Whiston gained fame through his involvement in ITV’s Dancing on Ice, a role he has held since its launch in 2006. Known for his signature wink at the start of performances, he achieved historic success by winning three series: the inaugural season with Gaynor Faye, the fifth with Hayley Tamaddon, and the eighth with Beth Tweddle, making him the show’s most successful professional skater. His contribution extended beyond performing, as he became the show’s Associate Creative Director in 2019, choreographing routines and training celebrity contestants.
Whiston’s career highlights also include skating in the one-off Strictly Ice Dancing in 2004 and performing at the 2010 Royal Variety Show. In 2020, he served as Director of Choreography for ITV’s The Real Full Monty on Ice. Despite Dancing on Ice briefly concluding in 2014, it was revived in 2018, allowing Whiston to continue his legacy both as a performer and creative director in subsequent seasons. Whiston remains a prominent figure in the world of professional skating and entertainment, combining his talent with a deep connection to his Blackpool roots.
The background image shows Hayley Tamaddon, Daniel Whiston, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean at ‘Torvill & Dean’s Dancing on Ice – The Tour 2010’ at the Sheffield Arena Sheffield – 8 April 2010.
Daniel J Whiston and Hayley Tamaddon in the Dancing on Ice tour, 2010.
