Dancing on Ice was one of ITV1's biggest hits last year, pulling in 11.6m viewers for the final, when former Coronation Street actress Gaynor Faye was crowned champion.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | ITV reveals Dancing On Ice stars

But it is also possible that one or other of them will win through, with a significant effect on this year's summer ice.

ECONOMIST: Britain��s cold snap is explained by the Arctic oscillation

The latest data is still being processed but one of the institute's sea ice specialists, Dr Sebastian Gerland, said that though conditions vary year by year a pattern is clear.

BBC: Arctic ice melting at 'amazing' speed, scientists find

Organizers project 2 million visitors a year at the attraction, where one rink would be flanked by 5, 000 seats for hockey tournaments and ice shows.

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