We’ve made ice show extra cool
Kimberly and Scots partner eye title
The three Dancing On Ice finalists have hit back at claims of unfair advantage, saying their experience made the show better.
Kimberly Wyatt, Brendan Cole and Regan Gascoigne are all professionally trained dancers.
Viewers have suggested it put them in a more favourable position than other show contestants.
But Pussycat Dol ls star Kimberly, 40, said: “I’ve always been known for my flexibility, that is something I’ve always done. I’ve been really grateful for my dance background, absolutely, but with that comes the fact that we’re going for things that have not been done before.
“When I did the invert spinning split, no one had done that before and, maybe if I did not have a dance background, I would not have had the nerve to go for it.
“You’re never going to convince everybody you deserve to be there or don’t deserve to be there. Ultimately, we’ve all gone out and done our best to create the best series ever and I think we are going into what could be the best final ever – because of the three of us.
“I think there is always going to be something to criticise but I’m just really proud of what we have accomplished.”
K imber ly ’ s sentiments were echoed by her rivals. Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Brendan, 45, said: “If we were all the same, would that not make for a really dull show?
“I think we’ve created a really good level of skating because we’ve pushed each other.”
And theatre star Regan, 26, said Dancing On Ice is “totally different” to any other kind of dancing.
Waving his arms, the son of former Rangers great Paul, said: “We know how to operate this part but the steps and the routines are different. You do something and they go, ‘Oh, that’s wrong.’
“We all started from nothing to get here so I think it’s different.” ThThe trio have bebeen perfecting roroutines ahead of tontonight’sfinaland sasaid, while there wiwill be no headbabangers , the nignight will be filled wiwith danger.
Regan, who is partnered with Karina Manta, said: “I am starting on a 6ft-high stage and being flipped around above it.”
Brendan joked he had “been messing about with the nuts and bolts” to sabotage the routine.
And Kimberly, whose partner is Scot Mark Hanretty, said: “I’m working on this kick over Mark’s head, and at times, it’s not been going right.
“Because he’s got my leg, there are times I just fall forward – head-to-the-ice situation – so I am really keen to get it working well before Sunday. That one feels quite dangerous.
“In theory, it is scarier than a headbanger.”
Brendan said he still feels bad for the scar he has left his dance partner Vanessa Bauer with after his skate cut her back.
“I left my mark on Vanessa. It’s still there,” he said. “Things happen in ice skating that you cannot see coming.”
The trio cannot reveal what they plan to do after the show – on STV tonight at 7pm – but Kimberly hopes to be back on stage with The Pussycat Dolls soon.
But that can wait. Tonight they aim to skate off with the title.