The sequins have settled, the ice has been melted down, and the skates are firmly back in the cupboard—but for the breakout stars of Dancing on Ice Season 17, the real show is only just beginning.

As the curtain fell on what has been hailed by Radio Times as a season of “glitz and glamour at its peak,” a staggering 8 million viewers watched Sam Aston lift the trophy in a finale that felt more like a Hollywood blockbuster than a reality show. But while the trophy belongs to Sam, the industry is buzzing with a much bigger question: Which of these ice warriors is about to conquer the United States?

Forget the local panto circuit—the word in the industry is that Hollywood is calling. With their grit, grace, and undeniable “it-factor,” these five contestants are tipped to be the next big British exports to hit the Hollywood Hills.

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1. THE NEW LEADING MAN: Sam Aston

He came, he saw, he conquered. Sam Aston didn’t just win a skating competition; he auditioned for the role of a lifetime. The Coronation Street star shed his “boy next door” image the moment he hit the ice, transforming into a commanding presence that left fans breathless.

His trajectory this season was a masterclass in screen presence. From heart-wrenching contemporary pieces that moved the judges to tears to high-energy crowd-pleasers, Sam proved he has the range of a seasoned A-lister. Casting directors are already whispering his name for the next big British Romantic Comedy or a gritty Netflix Drama.

“This feels like the beginning of something huge,” one fan gushed on X. With his boyish charm and newly discovered leading-man gravitas, don’t be surprised to see Sam trading the cobbles of Weatherfield for the palm trees of Sunset Boulevard.

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2. THE TRIPLE THREAT: Olivia Harper

If Hollywood is looking for its next musical powerhouse, they can stop the search. Olivia Harper didn’t just skate; she performed “mini-Broadway productions” every Sunday night.

With her theatrical flair and magnetic “diva energy,” Olivia became the season’s headline-maker. Her ability to tell a story through a single look—combined with technical perfection—makes her a shoo-in for Musical Films or high-stakes Period Dramas.

“She has that old-school MGM star quality,” says one industry insider. “She doesn’t just walk into a room; she owns it. That’s the kind of energy that translates to Box Office gold.”

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3. THE ACTION HERO: Dante Reyes

Move over, Tom Cruise! Dante Reyes spent Season 17 proving that he is more than just a pretty face. The “Heartthrob of the Rink” became famous for his daredevil lifts and a complete lack of fear that often left viewers watching through their fingers.

Even an accidental fall in Episode 6 couldn’t dampen his fire; in fact, social media users claimed the tumble only made him look “more heroic.” With a physique carved out of granite and a vulnerability that jumps off the screen, Dante is the prime candidate for an Action-Adventure franchise or a dark TV Thriller.

Producers love a star who can handle their own stunts—and Dante has proven he can take a hit and come back smiling.

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4. THE PRESTIGE POWERHOUSE: Leila Zhang

There is “talent,” and then there is “Leila.” Week after week, Leila Zhang delivered routines that felt less like reality TV and more like indie cinema. She possesses a rare, emotive power that draws the audience in, making every flick of her wrist feel like a plot point.

Industry whispers suggest that her screen test reels are already circulating among top-tier agencies in Los Angeles. With her commanding stage persona, Leila is the “Emmy-bait” of the group. Whether it’s a Prestige TV Drama or an Award-Winning Indie Film, Leila has the “Golden Globe Gradient” that sets her apart from the pack.

“She’s got that quiet intensity that you usually only see in Oscar winners,” one choreographer noted.

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5. THE CULT FAVORITE: Nico Clarke

He may not have walked away with the gold, but Nico Clarke walked away with the nation’s hearts. The ultimate underdog, Nico’s journey from “shaky on his pins” to a confident performer was the quintessential Hollywood story arc.

In the age of streaming, “relatability” is currency, and Nico is a billionaire. His candid interviews and authentic, “scrappy” personality have earned him a massive cult following. He is the perfect fit for Comedy-Drama hybrids or Character Actor roles that require depth and wit.

Nico is proof that you don’t need to be the best skater to be the biggest star.

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The ‘Farewell’ That Was Actually a Launchpad

Why was Season 17 so different? With an average of 8 million viewers per episode, the show reached a level of cultural saturation not seen in years. The diversity of the cast, the viral “meme-worthy” moments, and the sheer emotional stakes turned these skaters into household names overnight.

As the fans say:

• “Sam Aston is the next Hugh Grant!”

• “Dante is a Marvel hero in waiting.”

• “Leila is the most talented person to ever grace the ice.”

The transition from the ice rink to the silver screen is a slippery one, but for these five, the world is their oyster. Hollywood, get ready—the Brits are coming, and they’ve brought their skates.