Why stars will never melt the ice queen
Dancing on Ice coach Karen Barber says she couldn’t care less if the celebrity skaters are scared of her – and claims she just ignores their tantrums.
The ex- Olympian says of s ta r s such a s Br i an McFadden and Gemma Collins: “I’m strict. We don’t have time to mess about.
“I give my time and effort and I expect it back. If the celebs are scared, then they are – it doesn’t bother me.
“I don’t take any nonsense. I never raise my voice. It’s when I talk quietly people are worried.
“There’s no point going against what I say because you don’t know better.
“I’ll l isten to your suggestion then go, ‘No.’
“There’s no point dressing it up.”
With big personalities to whip into shape, mum- oftwo Karen, 57, has her work cut out – but says they’ve been on their best behaviour for her.
She added: “Brian is not a joker with me. Gemma is respectful, works hard and does what I ask of her. When she steps off the ice it’s none of my business.”
But after being on the receiving end of judge Jason Gardiner’s tongue lashings as a panellist in the past, Karen knows how Gemma feels after their spats on the ITV show.
“I saw that as two people having a di f ference of opinion,” said Karen. “That’s what a panel is for. What Jason says make a lot of sense. You like black, I like white. People aren’t always going to agree.”