COLEEN Nolan has spoken out her experience on Dancing On Ice – admitting she was screamed at by her dance partner while in rehearsals.
On Loose Women today, Coleen joined the panel as they discussed the sudden axing of Graziano Di Prima from Strictly Come Dancing, after a tape allegedly showing him “screaming, kicking and spitting” at celeb partner Zara McDermott was handed to the BBC.
As part of the chat, they questioned whether viewers should be more privy to behind-the-scenes arguments as they unfold, with rehearsal footage showing more of the ups and downs.
Charlene White turned to Coleen to reflect on her own experience on these high competitive shows, having participated in Dancing On Ice back in 2009.
She was partnered with professional skater Stuart Widdall, with the pair finishing in fourth place.
But Coleen admits it was not an easy ride, and acknowledges that a pro’s competition background can sometimes cloud their judgement.
“Listen, it’s really intense. The training of any of those shows, it’s incredibly intense,” she said.
“You’re working with people that from childhood have grown up in that intense world of competition, and I think the lines get blurred.
“I remember you know, sometimes with my partner, you know, he’d scream at me like ‘Why have you done that?’ And I’d go ‘Because I’m a TV presenter and not an ice skater!’.”
“I had to remind him that I never going to be at the level he wanted me to be at,” she continued. “We ended up at the beginning, a few rows, getting to know each other and then we got on great.
“However, you know, they have come they have that mentality – they want to win. Whatever show it is, whether it’s entertainment or whatever, they have that mentality of they want to win.”
Despite her own experiences, Coleen added that seeing arguing stars would not be of any benefit to viewers, telling the panel: “I don’t want to see, especially on Strictly which is my favourite show ever of that caliber, and on my bucket list, I don’t want to see all that going on.
“I love the VTs [videotapes] where you see them struggling and like crying and ‘I don’t think I’m going to be able to do it this week; and then you’re rooting for them when they come on.
“But I don’t want to see people rowing and arguing.”
“Do I think it needs to be watched by the producers and the people behind the scenes and put an end to it? Absolutely,” she added.
“But for an actual family entertainment show, I don’t want it. I never feel uncomfortable watching Strictly, and I do with other shows, and I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.
“It’s like my escape. It’s like my Disney escape of everything in the world because everything’s glitz and glam.”
The discussion was sparked after Graziano was axed from Strictly after the tapes were brought to the BBC’s attention.
He has since apologised for his behaviour, saying his “passion and determination may have affected his training regime”.
Other stars have since come out to support him, including pros like Katya Jones and former stars including Catherine Tyldesley, Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and fashion journalist Susannah Constantine.
Zara is yet to make any public statement regarding the incident, the tapes or what happened.
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
