Hey all. So I have been tasked with replacing the door seal on a front load washer/dryer, an Ariston ARMF125.  I have ordered and received the door seal - this one https://www.homeappliancesonline.co.nz/products/washing-machine-dryer-door-seal-gasket-for-ariston-c00303520-06942 I have checked and double checked to make sure its the right one.

I also watched videos of how to remove, including the outer and inner springs.  All that was done successfully and the old seal removed.  HOWEVER getting the new seal on seems impossible! I am 99% it's the right one as it fits over the vent slot for the dryer extraction part, and it looks the same as the old.  However unless it's purposely made small, it's impossible to get the seal onto the drum (I haven't even got to fixing it to the outer frame.

Am I missing something here? I read using detergent can make it easier, but the problem is getting it in place and it not STAYING in place around the whole circumference. I get about half-way and then it's soo taught that it just slips off the part I have already done.

Any help appreciated :-) Backup plan is getting someone in but I want to make sure I don't have to buy another seal!