Dancing On Ice pro speaks out after behind-the-scenes feud as Ferne McCann is hit by claims she’s ’too good’

DANCING On Ice star Ferne McCann sparked a behind-the-scenes "rink rivalry" over her skating skills.

The Towie legend, 34, is already a frontrunner in the ITV competition after she revealed her unexpectedly dazzling moves.

A fresh wave of competition has stirred up show tensions among the new line-up of celebs, with Ferne's impressive early strides raising some eyebrows in the cast.

The mum-of-two has been paired with pro skater Brendyn Hatfield ahead of the show's return.

He spoke to The Sun at the launch of festive ice rink at Battersea Power Station where he performed for the crowds alongside fellow pro Tippy Packard.

Brendyn said that it is still early days, but Ferne has simply been committed to the competition and wants to do her best.

He said: "Has she skated before? Well, what the celebrities do before we come in as pros, is they train with a coach, at whatever rink they're based in.

"Then we come in after they've had roughly about 30 hours of basics.

"Has she EVER skated before? I don't think so, no formal training, whatever, for sure.

"But she's got a good mindset, and focus for it. So I'm really excited."

As the competition heats up, Brendyn and Tippy will be hoping to teach their celebrities bigger and bolder moves.

Tippy, who is paired with comedian Josh Jones, said: "Right now they're just learning the basics, so to skate forwards and skate backwards.

"Once we get more of the feel of what their style is, we can come up with good ideas."

Brendyn added: "And that is the fun part. We take those basics and they morph into choreography, things like crossovers and turns, start to become the choreography when you start adding hands and face, and costume and audience."

The headbanger is one of the most daring moves which sees one partner held by the legs and spun around, with their head dangerously close to the ice, hence the name.

He said: "It's so interesting because it's such an optical illusion.

"The only thing that would touch the ice is a shoulder, and that would be a graze or something."

Other celebrity pairings for the popular show, which will hit screens in January 2025, include her Towie co-star Dan Edgar.

Vanessa has been paired with Love Island star Chris Taylor, with Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healy and Andy Buchanan put together.

Model Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton will also skate together.

And last but not least, TV star Michaela Strachan, who presents The Really Wild Show and Springwatch, will team up with Mark Hanretty.

Dame Sarah Storey is another sporting hero who will take to the Ice along with Sir Steve Redgrave and former footballer Anton Ferdinand.

Soap stars will also appear on the show, including EastEnders star Charlie Brooks and Sam Aston, who plays Chesney Brown in Coronation Street.