Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
People were COOL PAIR happy when I showed off more skin last week.. it’s good to give viewers what they want
Brandee Malto replaces sick Ale night out? “Absolutely.” Though he clearly doesn’t do too badly, either. Max’s first foray on to the ice surprised the judges, struck by his chemistry with Ale. But he is very happy with dancer girlfriend Lauren Jamieson, sister of Olympic swimmer Michael. They reportedly got together soon after the rugby star was snapped kissing Dancing On Ice co-star Stephanie Waring at the TV Choice awards last November. It follows the breakdown of his three-year marriage to model Katy Johnson, who recently revealed she regretted the split and blamed herself for leaving him to pursue her career and “party” in LA.
But Lauren shouldn’t worry, Max sounds devoted. He says: “My girlfriend’s a dancer, she is very understanding of the need for chemistry to deliver the story. One thing she’s helped with massively is the presentation of my arms.
“I’ve been a rugby player all my life, my arms and shoulders are needed to hurt people and catch a ball. Now they’re needed to present themselves in a graceful, elegant way.”
Max doesn’t like to talk too personally, but does say he’d love to start a family. “I have two dreams in life, one is to inspire people and two is to have a family,” he says. “I’m not getting any younger, I’d love to have three kids.”
For now, he’s sticking with his other dream. “In doing the show I have the ability to inspire people. I’m a novice skater, and I have the ability to put on what I hope is a half-decent performance the public can be impressed by.”
Stick to the catsuits, whip the guns out again and you’ll be sure to impress.
Dancing On Ice, ITV, 6pm tomorrow. Max will be joining the Dancing On Ice tour, see www.dancingonicetour.co.uk. Steve Backshall on Strictly 2014