Dancing On Ice 2022: Rachel Stevens explains why she’s ‘terrified’ of hitting the ice

Virgin Radio

10 Jan 2022, 10:54

With only a few days to go before the competition starts, we’re hoping Dancing On Ice contestant Rachel Stevens can shake off her fears before strapping on the skates. 

The former S Club 7 member will hit the rink with the likes of Coronations Street’s Sally Dynevor, rugby star Ben Foden and former Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan Cole on Saturday night to welcome back the competition.

But it seems Rachel is feeling the nerves about making her debut. She told Hello! Magazine she’s ‘terrified’ about skating because of her very limited experience. 

She explained: “It’s such a great team of people and I love my partner Brendyn Hatfield, so it’s all super-exciting but terrifying at the same time. Totally terrifying!

“I’ve danced and performed for years but doing it on ice means starting something totally from scratch.”

Rachel knows a thing or two about learning a routine, and competed in Strictly herself back in 2008, but when it comes to skating experience, Rachel admitted her only experience on the ice was ‘wobbling around at Christmas time’ with her kids Amelie, 11, and seven-year-old Minnie. 

She continued: “I am not a trained dancer, I've learned on the job. Dancing with a partner is so different to the kind of things I did when I was in a band. 

“Of course, if you're a performer you've got that experience behind you, but I think everyone's got to just bring themselves to the show. That's what people enjoy watching – the journey.”

Rachel is trying not to give herself a hard time as she adjusts to the intense training and rehearsals that come with learning to dance on the ice. 

On how she’s dealing with her stressful new schedule, Rachel revealed: “I am just muddling my way through it all, dropping balls everywhere. I am stressing out, trying to get everything done, but I think that's life for everyone, isn't it right now? 

“I don't think anyone has a nine to five job anymore. I try not to give myself such a hard time when the balls fall. It's okay – we're all human."

Meanwhile, Rachel confessed that while she keeps in touch with her former S Club 7 members, don’t expect a reunion any time soon. 

She explained: “Not at the moment but I would definitely be open to it if all seven of us were taking part. We message each other every now and again. But I haven't seen them for so long!"

Dancing On Ice will kick off this weekend with more famous faces, and a new judge, with Oti Mabuse swapping the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for the ice rink. 

Also competing will be Paul Gascoigne’s son Regan Gascoigne, Connor Ball from The Vamps, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, Love Island’s Liberty Poole, presenter Ria Hebden, and BMX Olympian Kye Whyte, and of course, Bez.

Dancing on Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub on 16 January 2022 at 6:30pm.