Brooke skates into arms of footie lover

SHE is the favourite to win but Brooke Vincent can’t wait for Dancing on Ice to end – so she can skate back into the arms of her footballer boyfriend.

The ITV show, like BBC rival Strictly, has seen many contestants fall for their pro partners, and there have been flings among the judges too.

And although the Coronation Street star says the show has taken its toll on her relationship with Kean Bryan, she is more in love than ever.

“I’ve had an amazing time but it has made me realise how much I miss being at home,” she said.

Brooke, 25, says she could not have got through it without Oldham Athletic defender Kean, 21, who she started dating last year.

“My boyfriend, my parents and friends have been so supportive,” she said. “They’ve all helped on our little journey.

“I’ve had to shut myself from them for a few months, which has been hard. I can’t wait to get back and settle in.”

Brooke has been working 18-hour days, juggling dancing practice with American partner Matej Silecky, 23, and Corrie filming in Manchester.

She said: “It’s going to be a lot quieter after DOI. I can stay in bed a little longer. It’s been 10 weeks of hard work. We’ve not had a day to recuperate.” She has taken her stress out on those around her. Brooke clicked her fingers and said: “I stress like that. There’s tears. I have a few minutes crying then I say, ‘Let’s go.’ I’m like a child. I need to go to bed at 7pm. It’s frustration with myself.

“I want to thank everyone who’s put up with my stressy moods and to Matej taking on my work commitments.”

Brooke says their TV partnership has gone from strength to strength through the competition.

Jokes

“We weren’t getting the scores and we didn’t know what the judges wanted. It was frustrating. Then we found how to get the best out of each other.

“He jokes about my tea breaks. I like a brew and then we can go again.”

Brooke – who has played Sophie Webster in the soap for 14 years – says being on Dancing on Ice has allowed people to get to know her.

“I’ve had a lot of support. That’s been amazing as it’s the first time people have seen me, not my character. It’s nice to know people like me.

“It’s been an amazing experience. It’s not been plain sailing for us like Jake and Max. It’s been a bit stop-start and rocky.”