‘Battle of the Blades’ to return for more on-ice competition on CBC-TV

TORONTO – “Battle of the Blades” will rise again on CBC.

The public broadcaster says another round of the campy ice-dancing competition has been ordered for its 2013-14 season.

CBC iced the popular reality show last year, saying it could no longer afford the series.

It blamed government cuts that took roughly $20 million out of the programming budget.

But despite “a very challenging financial climate,” CBC now says it will bring back the reality show, which pairs former figure skaters with former hockey players to tackle on-ice dance routines.

The upcoming CBC lineup includes expanded seasons of “Murdoch Mysteries” and “Republic of Doyle,” as well as a miniseries based on the award-winning Canadian novel “The Best Laid Plans” and a TV movie adaptation of “The Book of Negroes.”

“We are very proud that, despite a very challenging financial climate, CBC continues to deliver a television schedule that features strong, proven Canadian programming along with some new made-in-Canada titles,” Christine Wilson, executive director of content for CBC English services, said Wednesday in a release.

“With a lineup that will also feature the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and a full season of ‘Hockey Night In Canada,’ it is shaping up to be another great year for CBC Television.”

Other renewed series include: “22 Minutes,” “Arctic Air,” “Cracked,” “Coronation Street,” “Dragons’ Den,” “The Fifth Estate,” “Heartland,” “Mr. D” and “The Rick Mercer Report.”