Acclaimed performer and former Dancing on Ice star Vanessa Bauer continues making impressive moves from the ice rink to the big screen, with two major projects marking milestone moments in her acting career.
Bauer takes on the lead female role in the upcoming Rise of the Footsoldier: Ibiza, the seventh instalment of the iconic British crime saga, due for release in January 2026.
Set in 1994 the film opens with Pat Tate heading to the eponymous Spanish island to track down the villains responsible for his friend Kenny’s grizzly murder.
Vanessa Bauer plays the character of Isabella, who is on the island to avenge the death of her father. She is soon conscripted to work as an undercover informant for the American special agents, including Agent Miller, played by Ross McCall, who have Colonel Sullivan’s gang under heavy surveillance.
Bauer joins a cast including Craig Fairbrass leading as the savage Pat Tate, Tamer Hassan (The Football Factory, The Business), Leo Gregory (Green Street, Stoned), Jamie Foreman (Layer Cake, Oliver Twist), Ross McCall (Green Street, White Collar), and Jana Perez (Cinderella).
With tightly choreographed shoot-outs, fight sequences, and breathtaking island locations, Vanessa threw herself into this emotionally and physically demanding role. She says: “Isabella’s story begins in a world where certain men believe they hold power over her, but instead of shrinking herself to fit their expectations, she rises up and takes control. I loved exploring how she navigates those dynamics, discovers her inner strength, and ultimately becomes the driving force of the story. It was an honour to bring a bold, empowered woman to life on screen, and to collaborate with such a talented and passionate cast and crew.”
Vanessa’s screen momentum doesn’t stop there. She also appears in Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, The Thursday Murder Club, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Chris Columbus (Harry Potter, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire).
The film follows four irrepressible retirees – Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) – who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands.
Vanessa stars opposite Tom Ellis, portraying his on-screen ice skating partner. The role was a natural fit for Bauer, who drew upon her world-class skating expertise to bring authenticity and grace to the part.
She says, “Being directed by Chris Columbus, someone who shaped my childhood through the Harry Potter films, was a surreal and unforgettable experience. Sharing scenes with Tom Ellis made it even more special. I had the privilege of teaching him the basics of ice skating last summer—his dedication and professionalism were inspiring.”
Vanessa Bauer: Instagram / Vanessa Bauer is represented by: Olivia Bell Management