Gemma Atkinson to Host 'Activity Quest with Disney On Ice' Podcast

When Gemma Atkinson stepped off the Strictly Come Dancing floor in 2009, few imagined she’d return to the spotlight not as a dancer, but as a voice behind a microphone. Now, at 40, the British actress and former Casualty and Coronation Street star is trading scripts for soundwaves — announcing she’ll host Activity Quest with Disney On Ice, a new podcast produced in partnership with Disney On Ice, the iconic touring ice show operated by Feld Entertainment, Inc. based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The news, first reported by Hello Magazine on November 24, 2025, comes without a launch date, recording location, or episode count — but with a clear sense of momentum.

From Screen to Studio

Atkinson’s career has always danced between performance and personality. She first won attention as paramedic Tamzin Bayle on Casualty, then charmed audiences as Tracy Barlow’s rival on Coronation Street. Her 2009 run on Strictly Come Dancing turned her into a household name — not for flawless tango, but for her infectious energy and unfiltered charm. After leaving the panel of Loose Women in 2017, she largely stepped back from daily TV, focusing on family and occasional modeling gigs. Now, she’s stepping into a space few celebrities her age dare: audio storytelling aimed at families.

The podcast, Activity Quest with Disney On Ice, is positioned as an educational yet playful guide for parents looking for creative ways to engage kids between live shows. Think: “What to do after the ice rink closes?” — with tips on crafts, movement games, and Disney-themed learning activities. It’s not just a promotional tool; it’s a new kind of extension for Disney’s live entertainment brand. While Disney On Ice has long sold tickets and plush toys, this marks its first major foray into original podcast content — a subtle but telling shift in how family entertainment companies are thinking beyond the arena.

Who’s Behind the Mic?

Atkinson’s casting makes sense. She’s warm, relatable, and has spent years talking to audiences — whether interviewing celebrities on red carpets or chatting with fans on social media. Unlike many celebrity podcasts that feel like vanity projects, this one seems purpose-built: targeted at parents of children aged 3–8, a demographic Disney On Ice knows intimately. The show’s name, Activity Quest, suggests an interactive, game-like tone — perhaps even episodic challenges or listener-submitted ideas. There’s no word yet on whether Disney characters will appear, or if the format will include sound effects from actual ice shows. But given the company’s history of immersive storytelling, expect a sonic world that feels like a backstage pass to the rink.

What’s missing is just as telling as what’s there. No quote from Atkinson. No statement from Feld Entertainment’s leadership. No mention of recording studios, platforms (Spotify? Apple?), or release cadence. The entire announcement rests on a single line from Hello Magazine: “She’ll soon be taking to the studio.” That’s it. No press release. No social media blitz. No teaser trailer. It feels almost like a quiet rebellion against the usual hype machine — a deliberate, low-key rollout that trusts the audience will notice.

Why This Matters

The global kids’ podcast market hit $1.2 billion in Q3 2025, with family-friendly content growing faster than any other segment. Companies like Nickelodeon and Universal Kids have been quietly building audio libraries — but Disney, despite its massive brand, has been slow to enter the space. This podcast could be the opening wedge. If Activity Quest finds traction, expect spin-offs: Disney On Ice: Storytime, Behind the Blades, even a quiz show for fans. The real win isn’t just new revenue — it’s deeper brand loyalty. Parents who listen to the podcast between shows are more likely to buy tickets again. They’re more likely to remember the names of characters. They’re more likely to tell their friends.

And for Atkinson? It’s a career pivot that feels authentic. She’s not chasing viral trends or reality TV stardom. She’s building something quiet, useful, and lasting — something that might one day be the reason a child asks, “Mom, can we go see the ice show again?” after hearing her voice on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.

What’s Next?

The timeline remains fuzzy. “Soon” could mean January. It could mean June. But industry insiders say Feld Entertainment is finalizing its audio team in the UK, possibly in London or Manchester — close to Atkinson’s roots in Bury. There’s no word on whether the podcast will be bilingual or if it’ll roll out first in the UK, where Disney On Ice has a loyal following. What’s clear: this isn’t a one-off. It’s a test. And if it works, Disney On Ice won’t just be skating into arenas — it’ll be streaming into living rooms, car rides, and bedtime routines.

Historical Context: The Quiet Rise of Celebrity Podcasts

Atkinson isn’t the first celebrity to jump into podcasting — but she’s part of a growing wave of actors and presenters who’ve moved beyond vanity projects. Think of Emma Watson’s The Literacy Project, or Liam Neeson’s candid interviews on On the Couch. These aren’t about fame — they’re about legacy. And for a woman who spent her early career being judged on looks and dance steps, hosting a podcast gives her control over her narrative. No cameras. No editors. Just her voice, her ideas, and a whole generation of kids waiting to hear them.