ICE SHOW IS A LIFESAVER
DANCING On Ice has been helping Rebekah Vardy battle her mental health issues.
Last year, the mum of five suffered crippling anxiety and felt suicidal.
But she says taking up skating has given her a much-needed boost and proved a lifeline. Rebekah 38, told the Daily Star Sunday: “It has been a really tough few months. And this show is definitely helping me.
“While people are having to stay at home, we are able to go out and continue our skating.
“And that has been incredible for my brain. We are so fortunate.” She went on: “I have been able to focus on something that’s not reality.” Rebekah said she has found the tough training sessions have improved her mental wellbeing.
She added: “Fitness is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. It has kept me healthy and kept me sane.”
The wife of England and Leicester
City football ace Jamie, 34, is regularly targeted by online trolls.
She became a target for abuse after her public legal spat with fellow WAG Coleen Rooney.
But Rebekah has vowed she won’t let it ruin her time on Dancing On Ice. She plans to ignore Twitter and Instagram when the first show airs tonight.
She said: “I’m really not interested in what people on social media say.
“My focus is on the show. I can’t control what people want to say.”
Rebekah has been getting support from her telly skating partner Andy Buchanan.
After working together for just three months, she is already convinced he will be part of her life for good.
She said: “Andy is the most patient guy ever. He is like my best friend. He gets on really well with my kids.
“He’s met Jamie and they get on really well.
“Him and I will definitely stay friends after the show, which is really nice. He has the patience of a saint.
“Although I have started to see snippets of irritation on his face when I get things wrong!”
Rebekah and Andy are set to perform a defiant routine to Sia anthem Alive tonight in a bid to win support from viewers and avoid the first vote-off.
She said: “We’ve worked really hard to be where we are and hopefully that will pay off.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to provide entertainment for the nation. I think everyone needs cheering up at the minute.”