Gemma Collins shows off her diving skills in preparation for the return of ITV's Splash!

She made a name for herself in The Only Way Is Essex, but now it seems that Gemma Collins is determined to succeed as a sports star.
The blonde TV personality will participate in the forthcoming second series of ITV's Splash!, which debuts on 4 January.

In it, the 32 year-old will compete against Perri Kiely, former Eastenders actor Ricky Groves, Paul Ross, Jenny Eclair, Dan Stevens and Gemma Merna under the guidance of Olympic medalist Tom Daley.

Getting ready: Gemma Collins prepares for Tom Daley's Splash!, which starts on Saturday January 4

Wearing a black, waffle-effect one-piece, the car saleswoman - who once attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School - could be seen looking focused and determined as she prepared to dive.
Wearing her blonde hair loose, but away from her face, she then got into position before leaping into the water.
Fortunately, she wasn't alone - each of of her other competitors also had practiced their performance in the show, which scored impressive ratings with its debut.

Determined: Gemma focuses her mind on making a successful dive - before the show starts

The Only Way Is...Down: The blonde star has swapped one reality TV show for another, thanks to Splash!

Impressively, the bubbly blonde thinks she has perfected her diving so much she might give 19-year-old coach Tom a run for his money at the next Olympics.
She joked: 'I'm not going to lie - the training is exhausting. But I feel that at Rio in 2016, Tom might have some competition. I've asked for the most sequins and crystals possible on my costume, in true Essex fashion!'
Paul Ross, the brother of Jonathan Ross, was also seen preparing for the show, while comedienne Jenny Eclair was evidently nervous about leaping from the pool's elevated platform.

Host: Olympic medalist Tom Daley returns to present celebrity diving contest Splash!

Diving in: A very toned Dan Osborne prepares to leap from the springboard in ITV's new season

But, despite their nerves, Tom Daley thinks Splash! brings the fun-factor to TV.

The Olympic diving champion says this year's crop of celebrities - which also includes The Saturdays singer Una Foden - didn't hesitate to sign up to the show because they knew they would have a laugh while learning top diving skills.

He told The Sun newspaper: 'The first series of 'Splash!' really struck a chord with people. I think audiences connected with it because they could tell the celebrities were really having fun.

'The talent in this series has been incredible, too. After just two days of training, all the celebrities were further ahead than the guys last year were after three weeks. They have all been so incredibly brave.

'And the beauty of 'Splash!' is that the set is a swimming pool. That means I can complete my normal training sessions and train the celebrities. It's brilliant ... It's like a party in the pool. Everyone wants to get involved.'

Preparing for flight: Perri Kiely, Michaela Strachan and Ricky Groves all teeter on the edge of the diving board

Maternal figure: Mother-of-one Jenny Eclair also recently announced her involvement in the show

Paul Ross - brother of Jonathan - is also a contestant in the show's new season, which starts on Saturday

From one sport to another: Former rugby star Austin Healey is having to learn a whole new discipline

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