The celebrity reality show Dancing on Ice airs on Sunday nights on ITV1 with 11 new celebrities showing off their ice skating skills. Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are back as hosts. Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher tells us why they signed up for the show and what they are most looking forward to.
Why have you decided to sign up for Dancing On Ice?
I think I’ve always found the idea of ice skating really magical. There are always ice rinks at Christmas and it has this magic vibe. Also, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realised that I don’t have very good coordination and I’m always thinking ‘How can I improve it?’ After doing Dancing on Ice, I’ll be able to do anything! I don’t even drive but once I do this, I’m going to get that driving license. I don’t really have any hobbies, I just wanted to be an actor growing up and I put all my time into that. Now, I’m lucky enough to act every day on Corrie so it would be nice to have a hobby as well that I enjoy doing.
What are you most looking forward to?
I love performing. This is completely out of my comfort zone so it will be a bit different but I’ve never performed live professionally – Coronation Street was my first job. I’ve not performed live since drama school and I absolutely love it. I think with Dancing on Ice, I’m learning a new skill but it is performing and you can create these characters and use your acting skills in that way. So, I’m looking forward to the whole performance element, the costumes and the music!
What do your family and friends think about you doing the show? Are they going to come down and watch the live shows?
My mum is really excited! I told her that I was going ice skating before I knew I was doing the show because I wanted to see that I enjoyed it. She was like ‘What are you going ice skating for?’ and I said ‘Oh, I just fancy it.’ When I told her she said she wondered why I had been going ice skating! She’ll 100% come down and watch me.
Have you seen much of the previous series? Are there any standout moments that you would like to recreate?
I did grow up watching the show from the first series. I remember all the funny moments like when Todd Carty skated! Obviously, the Headbanger…I always think ‘Who is going to be doing it this series?’
Would you like to give the Headbanger a go this series?
No, I actually don’t think it will be me!
Do you have any ice skating experience?
When I was younger I would go with my mum. I went to Winter Wonderland last year and I wanted to get off the rink! I think the Christmas markets are a bit too busy. I always find myself holding onto the side.
Is this one of the scariest things you’ve ever done?
Definitely – it will be scary.
What are you most scared or nervous about?
I’m definitely most nervous about the coordination. As I said, I don’t have the best coordination and it really bothers me! My lack of coordination affects me every day. Hopefully I’m going to get better at it. When we’re on to the live shows and I have to learn the choreography, that freaks me out a bit. My brain just goes blank sometimes.
Is there a celebrity you’d be nervous to compete with or anyone you’d love to see on the show alongside you?
I’m probably going to be scared of everyone! I’m really competitive in terms of things that I’m good at but with Dancing on Ice, I don’t know how I’m going to be.
How do you think you will deal with criticism from the judging panel?
I’m quite an emotional person so I don’t know to be honest! It is good that we get feedback because you’re going to learn from it. I’m scared that I’ll cry!
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses as you embark upon this challenge?
I’d probably say I’m quite self-motivated and I’ll be well disciplined. I’ll want someone to drill choreography into me. I’ll take everything they say but I’ll tell them that I might need to practise things a few hundred times!
Do you have any other friends who have taken part in the show previously? Will you be reaching out to them for advice?
I’ll be asking everyone from Corrie who has done the show about their experience and the general ice-skating questions.
Are you in it to win it?
I’m just hoping I can skate and hoping that I won’t be terrible! It’s something that is so unknown to me – that’s the fear. Obviously I’ve been on a rink to make sure I don’t fall everytime I move but I’m thinking ‘What if I can’t do anything more than skate a bit?’ Hopefully each time I skate I’ll progress into something else. I’m not even thinking about winning at the moment but I’ll put all the effort in.
Dancing On Ice airs Sunday nights at 6.30pm on ITV1.
