Richard Blackwood has already formed a strong bond with his Dancing On Ice co-star Carlotta Edwards.

The actor said that the tough tests they overcame in training for the figure skating competition had only made their connection stronger.

Preparing for the new series in 2019, the pair have already said they have become friends for life.

Blackwood has promised that he is in the competition to win it, and the pair’s performances will be totally professional as they look for success on the ice.

Edwards said that dancing with Blackwood was “life-changing” and that the actor, her husband and herself had become “like the Three Amigos”. 

She added: “I know that I’m going to have a friend for life with him.”

Blackwood said: “It’s testing. As much as we’re getting along we’re having to push through gruelling times, I think that’s what’s making the bond even stronger.

“It’s been good for us, because it hasn’t been always smooth. That’s where the bond is created.”

The former EastEnders star said that his professional partner is a tough taskmaster, and their performances would reflect her insistence on perfection.

He said: “She’s small but very feisty. You don’t play with her, you get it done, you get it done.

“We didn’t come on this show for any other reason than to take it to the top. The level that we’re going to be at is going to be serious.”

Dancing On Ice is due to air on ITV in early 2019.