Love Island winner Amber Gill has been dumped from Dancing On Ice and replaced by Maura Higgins
LOVE Island winner Amber Gill thought she had the world at her feet when Dancing On Ice bosses wanted to sign her up.
But I can reveal they have decided to book her Love Island co-star Maura Higgins instead.
Producers met several contestants from the ITV2 show before picking the Irish beauty.
The move comes after she impressed audiences on This Morning with her quirky personality during her regular agony aunt segment.
The decision by Dancing On Ice chiefs to sign Maura is a blow to Amber who had hoped the show would be her next big TV project after two other Love Island stars found success on the show.
Kem Cetinay was fourth in 2018 and Wes Nelson was this year’s runner-up.
A source said: “Dancing On Ice producers were always going to sign a Love Island star for next year’s series and they wanted a girl this time after having two guys in the past.
“It was looking hopeful for Amber but Maura pipped her to the post with her sense of humour and personality.”
During Maura’s time in the villa, her ballroom dancing beau Curtis Pritchard showed her some choreography skills.
The source added: “Maura is hoping Curtis can now teach her more moves, even though she will be on the ice.”
Yesterday the pair revealed they are still not officially girlfriend and boyfriend.
Speaking on This Morning, Curtis said: “I haven’t asked her to be my girlfriend yet and I am not going to do it on TV. If I’m going to do it, then it’s going to be private.”
He had better get his skates on before Maura falls for her Dancing On Ice partner.
bizbit
JOHN Simm reveals he has been cast in the eagerly awaited Game Of Thrones prequel. The Life On Mars actor spilled the beans on Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio show – and said he has had to binge-watch the drama.
Rylan's salt 'n' pep talk
RYLAN Clark-Neal has won Ainsley Harriott's blessing as he prepares to replace him as host of Ready, Steady, Cook.
The Sun revealed yesterday how BBC1 will reboot the show next year, after axing it in 2010, but without veteran telly chef Ainsley.
Rylan tweeted: “Want to say the biggest thank you to @AinsleyFoods. Had a lovely chat earlier this week and appreciate your kind words. Suzy Salt will never love me as much as she did you but I’ll try my luck with Percy Pepper.”
But Ainsley fans are not best pleased he is leaving. Radio 1 DJ Greg James wrote: “There’s room for Rylan AND Ainsley here. Rectify this please @BBC1 or I’ll come downstairs and pelt you with rotten green peppers and red tomatoes.”
That’s a campaign I’m willing to back.
bizbit
ADVENTURER and author Simon Reeve is making two more travel series for BBC2, which will see him explore the length of the Americas, from Alaska to Argentina. The first series will air this autumn and the second in 2020.
Sean in battle
SEAN Bean has revealed the very personal inspiration behind his portrayal of a battle-scarred father in new BBC drama World On Fire.
Sean, who plays a veteran haunted by his memories of World War One, as Britain is plunged into World War Two, said: “My grandfather was in the Navy serving at the top of Russia in Murmansk.
“I was with my grandma on her own and my grandad came back and he wasn’t quite himself again – but I’m sure not many men were.”
The seven-part series, out this autumn, also stars Oscar-winner Helent Hunt.
must watch
WHAT? DIY SOS: Celebrating 20 Years, 8pm, BBC1.
WHY? Tissues at the ready as Nick Knowles revisits memorable builds from the last two decades, including Grenfell community centre.
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