Phillip Schofield predicts the infamous Strictly Curse may spread to Dancing on Ice
PHILLIP SCHOFIELD predicts the notorious Strictly Come Dancing curse may spread to Dancing on Ice when the ITV show returns next year.
The TV host reckons the jinx, which has seen several couples split after getting close during a stint on the TV contest, isn’t just limited to Strictly.
And at yesterday’s Dancing on Ice launch, engaged contestant CANDICE BROWN told how she had already shared a close encounter with dance partner MATT EVERS, after accidentally grabbing his manhood during a training session.
The 2016 Bake Off winner with Matt, said: “We’ve had some giggles, falls and some nice grabs. Nobody saw — except three cameras.”
Dancing on Ice will be back on screen from January 7 at 6pm.
It’s been nearly four years since the last series, but when it comes to future backstage shenanigans, host Phillip with judges ASHLEY BANJO, JASON GARDINER, JAYNE TORVILL and CHRISTOPHER DEAN, said: “There is every possibility.
"We’ve had relationships on the show before — people have got married. We’re always up for a bit of romance.
“Whatever they’ve got on the other side, we’re hoping to thrash its a**e.”
If I were Countryfile, I would be quaking in my wellies.
Torvill to be new icy queen
OLYMPIC great Jayne Torvill is going to become telly’s new Mrs Nasty, according to her long-time skating partner Christopher Dean.
New judge Jayne is set to surprise viewers with her harsh verdicts on this year’s contestants and Chris reckons she could even give resident grump Jason Gardiner a run for his money.
Christopher said: “We’re looking forward to taking on a new role and it will be nice to give our opinion this time. Well, Jayne is going to take over Jason’s role.”
Meanwhile straight-talking Jason has insisted the show’s reboot won’t take away from his notoriously critical comments.
When asked by host Phillip Schofield if he was “more wicked than ever”, Jason replied: “It’s a new show, a new start but it is very difficult to sit there and not be honest when I see inferior performances.”
It just wouldn’t be the same without his brutal honesty.
Corrie on Dancing
BROOKE VINCENT is clearly going into Dancing on Ice with one thing in mind.
The Coronation Street actress is so desperate to win, she’s stopped boozing and smoking to make sure she takes home the show’s crown.
Brooke said: “My life has changed massively.
"We’ve had a bit of a strict regime so I’m not drinking. More like going to the gym, being healthy and stopping smoking.
"I’m on the up. I’m happy I’ve got a good teacher.”
Brooke’s skating partner, newcomer MATEJ SILECKY, backed her up, adding: “She’s doing really well, I’m very proud of her.”
Dry January will be a breeze.
Keeping Mum on TV date
IN the age of Tinder and Grindr, there have never been more ways to find love.
But for one family, the tried and tested method is TV programme Blind Date.
In the Channel 5 Christmas special, airing on Saturday, hopeful Maureen asks the show to find her a new man – nearly 20 years after her mum did the same.
The 70-year-old, who signed up for the show after losing her husband of 30 years to cancer, tells host PAUL O’GRADY: “If it’s good enough for my mum, then hopefully it will be good enough for me.
“I am 70 this year and don’t want to be alone. There’s life to be living yet.”
Maureen, whose mum was 82 when she appeared on Blind Date in 1998 with then-host CILLA BLACK, sadly doesn’t get picked, despite offering to get in the shower and lather up a potential man.
Maybe she should try Channel 4’s Naked Attraction.
Biz bit
EMMERDALE couple CHARLEY WEBB and MATTHEW WOLFENDEN want to add to their brood next year.
The soap stars already have sons Buster and Bowie together but would “love to have a daughter” in 2018.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Soapbox
IN CORONATION STREET, Leanne plucks up the courage to have another go at dating but ends up falling victim to an unpleasant con.
Elsewhere, Eva turns out to be the perfect complement for Adam’s elf, Aidan and Alya are hopeful they will clinch a sizeable new deal and Todd reveals he can’t tell the Barlows the truth.
In EMMERDALE, a big decision sees Lydia and Sam stuck with a dilemma, while Liv manages to persuade a reluctant Aaron to go on a date with Alex.
Meanwhile, in HOLLYOAKS, Harry and Ste continue to grow closer, Misbah forces Imran to find work and Milo wrongly thinks he has shaken off Armstrong.
Must watch
WHAT? JUDI DENCH: My Passion For Trees, BBC1, 8pm.
WHY? It won’t be for everyone, but this docu provides a subtle peek into the actress’s private life, including her relationship with partner David Mills.