Dancing On Ice's Michaela Strachan talks major change on show after finding it 'boring'

Michaela Strachan
-Credit:INSTAGRAM/MICHAELASTRACHAN


Michaela Strachan has admitted she found ice skating “boring” after starting her training for Dancing on Ice.

The Springwatch star confessed her first few weeks training for the hit ITV show were “hard”. She likened learning to ice skate to learning a music instrument, saying you have to “learn the basics” before having fun.

However, the 58-year-old admits there have been some upsides to the gruelling competition. Michaela says there have been some “changes” to her body, losing weight and seeing the shape of her legs “change completely”.

READ MORE: Medal given to Luke Skywalker for destroying Death Star is for sale

READ MORE: Lord of the Rings' Bernard Hill leaves surprise amount in will to one relative amid BAFTAs snub

Speaking to Bella magazine, she said: “My body has totally changed. I’ve lost weight, and my legs have completely changed shape.

“I mean, I’m not complaining. You work everything from the waist down.”

Michaela Strachan with Mark Hanretty on Dancing on Ice
Michaela Strachan with Mark Hanretty on Dancing on Ice -Credit:ITV

Michaela has previously admitted she was “challenged” to go on the show, and watched horror accidents involving people ice skating. But despite initially struggling with the sport, she persisted, finding herself favourite to win the competition.

When asked if she had advice for someone trying to learn a new skill, Michaela said: “Don’t give up. Skating the first few weeks was hard - and if I’m a little honest, it was boring.

“It’s like how you can’t play a piano until you’ve learned scales. You can’t do the creative skating until you’ve learned the basics.”

Michaela, who has been partnered with professional Mark Hanretty, has wowed audiences and judges during her time on the show. But she admits she is “uncomfortable” being the bookies’ favourite.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing's Amy Dowden awarded MBE from King Charles III after cancer battle

READ MORE: Lord of the Rings' Bernard Hill leaves surprise amount in will to one relative amid BAFTAs snub

Speaking on This Morning, she said: “I was challenged to do it, I stupidly watched all of the accidents on YouTube. Once I got over the fear of that, I feel this is a challenge, I am the bookies' favourite to win, which I feel really uncomfortable about."

The star went on to say she hopes she can at least make it through to the final. She added: “Mark Hanretty has been doing it for 12 years, it's his last year, he's been in the final four times and he's never got to do the Bolero. So that is my goal, to make him do the Bolero for him."

Host Rochelle Humes then chimed in: "I think he's got a very good chance this year!" while Michaela added: "Let's hope so but let's see what happens.”

Michaela went on to explain how it is ultimately the voting public who decide who makes it through in the competition. The five remaining couples will take to the ice from 6.30pm today (Sunday, February 23) on ITV One.