Dancing On Ice star Hamish Gaman was ‘bullied by Caprice who taunted him for not being manly enough for her’
DANCING On Ice's bitter feud between Hamish Gaman and Caprice was sparked by her taunting him for being "too feminine", The Sun Online can reveal.
Hamish, 36, has told pals he felt "humiliated" by the American model during rehearsals after she mocked him and branded him "a girl" as they practised their routines together.
The Sun Online can reveal the Brit skating champ is now in therapy as a result of the war with Caprice after her words dredged up a slew of painful memories from his past.
Concerned for his mental well-being, ITV bosses arranged for weekly therapy sessions for Hamish, who was picked on as a schoolboy for his love of ballet and skating.
A source told The Sun Online: "Caprice began to belittle and disrespect Hamish very quickly after their first training sessions began.
"She would mock him in front of the Dancing On Ice crew with comments such as, ‘you skate like a girl’ and ‘be more manly - you’re more feminine than me’.
"It became relentless every day and left both Hamish and the crew shocked. Behaviour like this has never been seen on the show before."
The source added: "Caprice's words sent Hamish into a dark place, as it took him back to his days at school where he was bullied for his love of figure skating and ballet.
"Because of the impact of their fallout, ITV have now taken the step to provide him with weekly therapy sessions.
"They are keen to ensure he is okay and able to continue on the show, as he is a very much valued and respected member of the professional team." Caprice strongly denies the claims.
Just hours before Sunday night's fairy tale-themed show, Caprice confirmed she was quitting Dancing On Ice.
The former Celebrity Big Brother star had switched to working with Swiss skater Oscar Peter but left, saying her “mental well-being has been affected”.
In the wake of her departure, a pal told The Sun: “Caprice felt she had no option but to quit after feeling bullied and sidelined. She’s distraught.
“She adored Oscar but the atmosphere at Dancing On Ice felt isolating and nasty. She needed to look after herself and her family so walked away.
“She feels bosses sided with Hamish and says they have provided her with no counselling or after-care following the fall-out."
Caprice's decision to quit Dancing On Ice came days after Hamish finally broke his silence on their war.
Taking to Twitter, having previously remained tight-lipped, he said: "Hi everyone. Thank you so much for your kind messages.
"I've been overwhelmed by your love and support - it's brought me to tears at times.
"Honestly, I'm not okay, but I'd like to thank Amelia, my pro family and ITV for doing all they can to support me.
"I'm comforted knowing the truth always comes out in the end, and I hope we can focus on the skating again now."
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When approached by The Sun Online, Caprice's rep said: "This is absolutely not true. Caprice only ever complemented Hamish on how beautiful and elegant his skating was.
"Caprice received very little support from ITV and had to seek external help of her own accord. She has been seeing a counselling psychologist as well as two doctors on an ongoing basis.
"She has been deeply distressed by the occurrences that have happened over the last few months, and this has directly effected not only herself but her family."
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