AS a busy mum who always has a new project on the go, why has Myleene Klass signed up for Dancing On Ice?
To get a bum like J-Lo’s.
As we introduce this year’s contestants, the 42-year-old — who became an icon after her bikini shower scenes on 2006’s I’m A Celebrity — says: “I’m a mum of three, a step-mum of two. There’s seven of us in our blended family.
“When else would a mum like me get the chance to learn a new skill and be able to walk away with a bum like J-Lo’s?
“That’s the real reason I’m here. I’m going to work so hard.
“I love the fact that I’m going to end up with a new skill, new butt and fabulous wardrobe.”
But the classical musician, who has daughters Ava, 13, and Hero, nine, from her first marriage and son Apollo, one, with fiancé Simon Motson, 46, does fear injuring her hands.
She says: “I’m terrified of all of it. I’m terrified of my piano fingers getting rolled over. I don’t know why that’s a recurring fear, it just is.
“Any time I’ve done a concert I’ve had to sign an indemnity insurance clause and I’ve had to sign all of these things that look after my fingers.
“As a pianist I have to be careful about my hands but I also have to live my life.”
However, nothing will terrify her as much as her stint in the jungle in I’m A Celeb.
She says: “I remember when they asked me what my fear was I said dying.
“I thought if I said rats or spiders or snakes they’re going to land those on my head, but it turned out they locked me in a coffin anyway, so I’ve done that.”
Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice co-host Phillip Schofield, 58, reckons the show is tougher than rival Strictly.
He said: “I’ve already had a phone call from Jason Donovan, who phoned and said, ‘Mate, do you think I’m going to be all right?’.
“He, like everyone, is pushed into doing the show by his kids. They were desperate for him to do it.
“He’s frightened that he’s going to get broken, as is everyone, but that’s the nature of taking part.
“There is nothing else like it. Strictly is amazing but it’s less prone to breaking celebrities than we are.”
Colin Jackson
OLYMPIC hero Colin, who came second on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, already has friends taking the mick out of him for signing up for the series.
The 53-year-old former sprinter, who held the 110m hurdles world record for more than a decade from 1993, said: “Friends of mine would say I’m in a mid-life crisis.
“My sister said, ‘Can your bones take it if you fall?’.”
Graham Bell
HE has the advantage of being well used to the ice, but former Olympic skier Graham is dreading having to dance in front of millions of people.
The 55-year-old, who represented Great Britain at five Winter Games, said: “Ice doesn’t scare me, I’m used to it.
“But dancing, proper dancing, not just the kind that’s drunk on a table wearing ski boots, does. And performing as well.
“It’s not in my comfort zone.”
Sonny Jay
THE Capital FM breakfast show host believes taking part in this series is more nerve-wracking than when he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent.
Sonny, 27, who came fourth in the 2012 series as part of Loveable Rogues alongside pals Eddie Brett and Te Qhairo Eugene, said: “When I did BGT I was with two other people.
“That was scary because it was one of the biggest things I could ever do.
“This time I’m on my own, so I can’t look to my two mates.”
Billie Shepherd
TOWIE’S Billie is hoping her appearance on the show will help her step out of the shadow of her twin sister Sam Faiers.
The 30-year-old says: “I’ve never done anything on my own, it’s always been with my sister.
“I’ve never given myself a personal challenge like this so I feel like now, at this point in my career, it’s good for me to step up and take on this show.”
Joe-Warren Plant
EMMERDALE actor Joe-Warren, 18, has already been put in line by dance partner Vanessa Bauer, who he has been romantically linked with, because of bad habits he picked up as a child.
He said: “I can stand up and get around the rink but when I tried out for the show I was told straight away, ‘Your technique is all wrong’.
“So I’ve got to scrap all those bad habits and start over.
“I love a challenge and I’m looking forward to learning something new.”
Rufus Hound
FUNNYMAN Rufus only actually accepted the gig for the money – as he says work has dried up in the pandemic.
The 41-year-old explains: “I’m hoping it will mean the phone starts ringing again.
“I wouldn’t have done this show for love nor money had it not been for the fact the entire world stopped and everything I do to earn a living doesn’t exist.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to it and it doesn’t mean I don’t want it to go well.”
Denise van Outen
THE former Big Breakfast host plans to take daughter Betsy, ten, skating at Christmas with her skills learned on the show.
Denise, 46, who was a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, said: “I never get on the ice.
“Betsy’s like, ‘Skate with me mummy’, and I’m holding on to the side. Not because I’m scared, but because I can’t actually skate.
“I don’t want to be that mum who can’t do something or can’t give it a try.”
Lady Leshurr
RAPPER Leshurr says she’s ready to take on the infamous Headbanger move, where the woman is spun by her ankles, with her head perilously close to the ice.
The 32-year-old said: “Initially I thought another celebrity was going to be my partner and I would have been a bit concerned.
“Now I know it’s a pro, I’m going to trust in him. And I’m only seven and a half stone, it would be easy to fling me around. ”
Faye Brookes
EX-CORRIE actress Faye is hoping she does her dad, a former ice hockey player, proud.
The 33-year-old, who played the soap’s Kate Connor until 2019, said: “We’d get on the ice with my dad as kids.
“This is going to be really nice for him and I don’t get to see him that often because he works away on the oil rigs.
“Ice skating for me was a lovely childhood memory, so to now do it as a competition is beyond all my wildest dreams.”
Jason Donovan
AUSSIE Jason is up for the challenge but worried the show could spell the end of other work commitments.
The 52-year-old former Neighbours star said: “It’s a solid floor and ice is not forgiving. That’s the jeopardy.
“I have other obligations beyond Dancing On Ice so those have to be considered and balanced. You want to do the best show you can but you want to do a show that’s safe as well.
“It’s that line between sexy TV and safe TV.”
Rebekah Vardy
FOOTBALLER’S wife Rebekah, 38, fears her “resting bitch face” will give viewers the wrong impression.
The mum of five, who is married to Leicester and England ace Jamie, 34, said: “I have this resting bitch face and I know I’ve got it but I’m smiling on the inside, I really am.
“To other people it looks like I’m miserable. Now the Botox is wearing off, hopefully the happy features will start coming through.”
- Dancing On Ice starts this Sunday at 6pm on ITV
