‘ In my head I’m still 21’ says Didi Conn

Didi Conn, who played ‘beauty school dropout’ Frenchy in Grease, is just as sweet in person as her iconic role. And the adorable star is already melting hearts on Dancing On Ice – although at 67, she’s the show’s oldest ever contestant. Didi decided, she says, it was time to do something for herself, after years of caring for her autistic son, Danny, now 26. Granted, not many women her age would opt for learning how to ice skate on live TV – but this Pink Lady loves a challenge…

Didi, how are you enjoying your stay in the UK?

I’m staying in St Albans, in Hertfordshire, and it’s so pretty! I got lost the other day and spent an hour wandering around before I found my hotel. But it’s such an enchanting little place. There’s a gateway there that dates back to 1378 – we don’t do that kind of history in the States, honey!

How is your Dancing On Ice experience going?

I’m loving it! The other celebs are wonderful. But I had to get over my fear of the ice first. I went skating a few times with my dad when I was little, but that was it. My first important lesson was how to fall down properly. I do a lot of it! But you get up and keep going.

Judge Jason Gardiner was a bit harsh with you after your first skate, wasn’t he?

I thought so! He said my ‘shoulders were up’ – but that was with excitement, as I didn’t know they were going to show that gorgeous montage from Grease! I got excited. So, in my mind, I was singing Smooth Operator by Sade and working hard to keep those shoulders down and stay cool.

You look fabulous for 67, Didi. What’s your take on ageing?

Someone needs glasses, baby! What I think is that God purposely made our eyesight get worse as we get older, so that when you wake up and look in the mirror, you don’t kill yourself! But I’ve always been one to do some form of exercise. If I don’t, I get sad.

Is your husband, David, supportive of this latest adventure?

He’s fabulous. While he was over here at the start of training, he would massage my feet and thighs – when you’re skating, you use muscles you didn’t know you had. I miss that. I have a guy called Dmitri at the hotel. He gives a good massage! David is a film composer, and his instrument is the piano, so he has these incredible muscular, yet delicate, hands.

How did you two meet?

My friend, Penny, set us up, around the time I was filming the TV show Benson. But the crazy thing is, before we even met, I had a dream I was dancing around a room and a man was sat playing the piano. And there are evenings when I still dance around, while he plays the piano. We’ve been married 37 years!

Actress Didi Conn talks about Dancing On Ice, her composer hubby and Grease…

You’ve said this show is something for you, after years of caring for your son, Danny, who has autism…

Yes, that’s true. My son is in assisted living now – in a beautiful environment, and we see him most weekends. It was only when I realised he could have a life, that I could focus my energy on a new chapter in my life.

Your iconic role remains that of Frenchy in Grease. Are you like her?

This being the 40th anniversary of the film, I’ve been thinking about her more than usual! People loved her because she was such a good friend to Sandy, and to the other Pink Ladies. I like to think I’m the same with the people I care about. If you’re my friend, I’m 100 per cent in!

Are you still friendly with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John?

Absolutely, especially Olivia. She’s doing well – I spoke to her a couple of days before that ridiculous story broke about her having ‘weeks to live’, and she sounded great. The thing with Olivia is, her focus on mind, body and spirit shines through. She’s raised millions for her cancer and wellness centre. I went to see her perform in the theatre once, you know, and she had no socks on and was complaining she was cold. So, I sent her some socks – now it’s a thing. Every time I see her, I bring socks. John, I saw last May when we all met up to celebrate the 40th anniversary, and he was looking good.

Is it strange to think Grease is 40 years old?

It’s definitely hard to get your head around! In my mind, I think I’ve always been about 21 – but my body ain’t 21! It’s a long time, and we’ve all lived a lot of life in the meantime. It brings back great memories, though.

Dancing On Ice continues on Sundays on ITV.