Suzanne Shaw’s column
Dancing on Ice is back on our screens and it’s brought a lot of drama already! I starred on the show in 2014 and it was such a brilliant experience – there’s nothing quite like it. You get a moment of escapism to do something that you never thought you’d be able to do. Those few hours before the shows are exhilarating! In hair and make-up, everyone is so nervous and comforting each other. I treated my make-up artist like a therapist! But the high you get from performing is unlike anything else.
This series has got off to a great start, and I can’t wait to see how they all improve. However, there was also a lot of drama when Denise van Outen was rushed to A&E with a dislocated shoulder following a nasty fall during rehearsals. Dancing On Ice can be dangerous, and it did make me think a bit about whether the show should be on at the moment. Our NHS is already struggling under the strain of the coronavirus pandemic, so does it help if people are heading into hospital because of injuries created by an entertainment show? I can understand the public backlash DOI got over that. But saying that, the show brings so much joy to so many people and it’s a bit of normality in our crazy world right now.
And it’s the same with any professional sport – football and rugby are risky activities too. It just made me think about the pros and cons of entertainment shows in the midst of this crisis. I love the show, but I hope it doesn’t take up any more of the NHS’ time.
● Suzanne’s working with Pikt Fresh organic veg, fruit and salad home delivery service. Order yours at Piktfresh.com