Interview with Heidi about Dancing On Ice

Have you skated before?

It’s one of my favourite things to do at Christmas, but normally I have a mulled wine and I’m wrapped up. When I first started I never thought I’d be skating backwards and I was terrified of the lifts. The thing is, I’m clumsy and I’m a scaredy cat. As soon as I started I thought, ‘Why has a scaredy cat signed up to do an ice skating show where they throw you here, there and everywhere?’ But with every new lift, I’m scared at first, and then once you’ve got the move, you’re excited that you can do it. Now I absolutely love it.

So no nasty falls or training injuries yet?
Well, my original partner Sylvain Longchambon tore a tendon in his bicep. But I’ve had a few falls, nothing serious. My legs are like a dot to dot, there’s bruises everywhere. But they’re in jeans most of the time, so it’s fine.

How do the ‘Babes feel about you taking part?
They’re excited. Amelle came to watch me practise last week and we were showing her this lift going towards her. She just stood at the barrier screaming as I was going up over his shoulders. The last thing I saw before I went up was her screaming.

How do you feel about being judged?
They know what they’re talking about. You have to take it on board. As long as the comments don’t get personal then I’ll be fine.

Are you competitive?
I’m not. When I said yes to doing this I just thought I’ve got a bit of time off, so let’s just see how it goes. I don’t want to be rubbish at it – I want to be good, but I’ll just be the best I can.

Are you nervous about performing live?
When I’m singing I don’t get nervous because I like performing to an audience but this is so, so different. My stomach goes when I think about it, my legs just turn to jelly. With the choreography, I’m used to remembering routines but with skating everything’s on bent knees so it feels unnatural.

Are you embracing the sequins?
I like dressing up and trying new looks, but I tried on a leotard today and asked for more frills around the bum for a bit more coverage. Skating for two hours a day, five days a week is such good exercise but I’m going to the gym too because basically you’re wearing Lycra on HD TV.

Have you taken any friends onto the ice?
No, but I took my little dog Betty. I was scared it might be too cold for her paws but she was made up, licking the ice! So Sylvain skated with her. She was running around and absolutely loving it.

Who’s in the Range support squad?
Amelle’s practically moved into mine this past week, she’s so excited about making banners, and my sister Hayley’s down every week. My mum’s already started to book train tickets too, but I’m like, ‘Mum you don’t know how long I’ll be in it!’ They’re all really excited.”

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