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Wed, 01 Apr 2009 Steve Jobs joins cast of US Dancing On Ice

Jobs to follow in Wozniak's steps with appearance on ice skating show

Nick Spence

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Apple CEO Steve Jobs is expected to be among a host of big-name celebrities announced later today for a US version of international hit TV show 'Dancing On Ice.'

In what appears to be a shock move for the notoriously private Jobs, currently on a leave of absence from Apple, the Mac maestro could follow in the footsteps of his former partner Steve Wozniak in joining a popular reality based show.

Apple co-founder Wozniak, along with dance partner Karina Smirnoff, proved a cult hit on 'Dancing with the Stars' (known as 'Strictly Come Dancing' in the UK) until a Tuesday night exit when the pair were eliminated from the competition.

Compared by judges to a mad Teletubby, Wozniak wowed fans with his enthusiasm and joie de vivre.

At least one celebrated gossip columnist, Cloris Huffington-Brown, claims Jobs is already in training for the show due start on ABC in the US this summer.

"Unlike Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs wants to win everything he does in life including 'Dancing On Ice,' and he's been using any down time away from Apple to practice his funky moves," Huffington-Brown told the syndicated WEEEAK News.

"My spies inform me that Steve looks absolutely fabulous, a vision in black, he's been wearing his familiar roll-neck jumper that snakes down to a figure hugging pair of slacks, an all-in-one aerodynamic look typical of Apple. He's bound to be a hit with the ladies."

However, controversy already surrounds Jobs' choice of skate with Apple's famed designer Jonathan Ive working on a special 'iSkate' design that may break competition rules.

"The iSkate is 5mm smaller than any other skate with a precision aluminium unibody. Twice the price of other skates, it's designed to run faster and more efficiently, oh, and comes with an Apple logo," said Andrew Pandy from Mac enthusiast site Macs Are Great.

ABC bosses are reportedly concerned that the iSkate may give Jobs an unfair advantage, as well as offering a free advertising opportunity for the computer giant. "Apple could make a mint by selling a limited edition iSkate in stores across the US providing Jobs doesn't get knocked out in the early rounds," added Pandy.

Among other celebrities and personalities touted for the summer show are former boxing bad boy Mike Tyson, NFL Hall Of Famer Rod Woodson, Ricky Gervais, former WWE Diva Trish Stratus, Fox political heavyweight Bill O'Reilly, Yoko Ono, Peter Serafinowicz, supermodel Heidi Klum, actor Tim Allen, actress Betty White, Different Strokes Garry Coleman, former vice president Dick Cheney and Playboy Playmate Of The Year Jill Gates.

The irony of a possible Jobs Vs Gates dance off has not been lost on producers, says Pandy.

ITV2 are said to be interested in the UK rights for the show, although they may have to explain to viewers who Ricky Gervais is.

Previously 'Skating with Celebrities,' ran for one season in 2006 on the Fox network although it did not prove a hit with viewers. ABC, however, believe this time around 'Dancing On Ice' will prove a hit, with 13 million fans tuning in for the UK final in March. The format, devised by LWT, has been a prime-time hit in several countries, including Australia, Germany, Italy and Russia.

ABC will announce the full line-up later today, April 1st.

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Comments received


Charley said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

Roll on April 2nd!! :-D

Robert Chambers said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

Bad taste April Fools joke when the subject is in recovery from serious illness.

Martin said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

Love it, sure iSkate would sell, even if it was twice the price. I love the line-up of celebs, Dick Cheney, ha ha.

Jonny said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

Oy! Chambers, get real pal.

WeegieMac said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

Incredibly bad taste given that a) Jobs is on a medical leave of absense, and b) Apple fans the world over are looking for any news that Jobs is in fact healthy.

To the boy who said Robert Chambers should, "Get Real Pal" I have to say he has made a very valid point.

We don't know why Steve is off sick from his role at Apple, we have very little to go on other than the aforementioned Hormone Imbalance.

A little bit of common sense would have gone a long way when thinking this one up.

Live for Films said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

That's a brilliant April Fool. I love the eclectic mix of competitors

Live for Films said on Wed, 01 Apr 2009

WeegieMac and Chambers - It is a simple funny April Fool. No harm done to anyone. If Jobs isn't happy with it he'll sort it out, if it was me in his position I would find it rather funny.

Feel free to have a go at me for posting this, but why not just read it and forget about it if you don't agree with it

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