DANCING On Ice skate siren Vanessa Bauer says the show’s new 24-hour duty of care hotline is “very necessary”.
Bosses installed the measure in the wake of Strictly’s bullying scandal and ITV rink veteran Vanessa has been the first to back the move.
The German dancer said: “We were all made aware, all the girls were made aware and the celebrities, that there’s a helpline that we can call at any time of the day, every single day.
“So we are very well looked after at ITV.
“It is comforting to know and I’m putting myself out there – I think it’s very necessary.”
It comes after The Sun revealed officials on the Sunday night ITV hit had sent its 12 celebrities a six-page letter telling them they can speak out “without fear of abuse” using the special hotline.
The new measures follow bullying claims earlier this year on Strictly against pro dancer Giovanni Pernice and the BBC show’s sacking of Graziano Di Prima.
The letter, seen by The Sun, warns the stars about their conduct with their professional partners and adds: “Winning should never come at the expense of integrity and respect.”
This year Vanessa is paired with Love Islander Chris Taylor but took time out to launch Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ festive ice rink at Somerset House with a special routine.
She said: “It’s an incredible experience to just skate at Somerset House so I was really grateful for the opportunity to choreograph a routine.
“On Dancing on Ice I always choreograph my own routines, I want to be a creative director.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in the future, but to be creatively involved in the campaign for Virgin Atlantic Holidays and choreograph it and skate with my friends has been a dream.”
Vanessa’s routine featured guest appearances from two of the airline’s staff, Captain Jean-Patrick Fays and check in agent Emily Horner, who are both skating fans.
Any guests at SKATE at Somerset House rink this year can enter a competition to win £5,000 of holiday vouchers, courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Holidays, to jet off hiking in the Hollywood Hills, scuba diving in the Maldives or a spa break in the Caribbean.
Vanessa added: “We’ve had great fun on the ice developing a special travel-themed routine showcasing the incredible destinations Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers, from exploring the desert in Dubai, hiking in the Hollywood hills or re-energising in the Maldives.
“And it’s really inspiring me to swap my ice skates for my roller blades as when I’m not on the ice you can find me soaking up the sun in LA, roller blading at Venice Beach.”
