Bug ban cuts no ice with Libby! LIBBY CLEGG and MARK HANRETTY
DANCING On Ice finalist Libby Clegg has become a victim of the coronavirus.
Thankfully the sprinter, who is registered blind, hasn’t got it.
But she won’t be going to Japan later this month for a special training session ahead of the 2020 Paralympics in August.
Libby said: “I was supposed to go there for a Paralympic holding camp just after this and it’s been cancelled because of the coronavirus.
“I am a little bit upset because I’d have liked to have tested out certain things like getting used to the climate and humidity and also eating different food.
“Preparation for the Paralympics is really important but maybe it’s a good idea.
“I’ve got a little boy and I don’t want him to be ill.
“And I don’t want to be quarantined when I get back.”
Libby will compete for the ice crown in Sunday’s final – hosted by Phillip Schofield and Holly
Willoughby, below – against Jungle star Joe Swash and Diversity dancer Perri Kiely.
ITV bosses are also following Government guidelines about the virus and audience members attending Sunday’s live show will be offered hand sanitiser.
Joe said: “They’ve told us to wash our hands a bit more. I expect it is a lot worse than the Government is letting on.” Perri said: “All Vanessa and I do is hold hands so I’m constantly using hand sanitiser.”
Meanwhile, Joe has had a setback ahead of the final. He knocked his ear in training and this has caused an infection so, following medical treatment, he now has to wear a huge bandage around his head until Sunday.
Joe joked: “I look like Princess Leia from Star Wars without half of her hair!”
● Ahead of Sunday’s final on ITV, we grilled the skaters about their time on the show. Read their replies here...
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Libby’s highlight: Well, everyone says it must be the headbanger last Sunday but to be honest it’s all been great.
Lowlight: I have none. I have enjoyed every moment of this experience.
Injuries: I had an ice burn on my back and I have a bruised bum.
Number of times in skate-off: One
Have you got a skater’s bum: Definitely. After having my baby things weren’t where they were before. Now I’m back in shape.
Who would you put on the 2021 show: My partner Mark wants to be paired with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Flavia Cacace.
Ladbrokes odds: 25-1