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LOVE Island star Maura Higgins has been compared to Gemma Collins after she admitted she is likely to "have a strop" on Dancing On Ice.

Officially unveiling her today as a DOI contestant - along with telly star Michael Barrymore - Phillip Schofield gasped: "It's another Gemma, it's another Gemma!"

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Maura Higgins has been compared to Dancing On Ice diva Gemma Collins

 Former Towie star Gemma was known for her diva behaviour during this year's series
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Former Towie star Gemma was known for her diva behaviour during this year's seriesCredit: Rex Features

Maura, 28, confessed that she will need a "strict" professional partner on the skating show to keep her tantrums in place.

Maura had told Phillip and Holly Willoughby on This Morning: "I need someone strict to keep me in line. "Otherwise I’ll just throw a strop and lay on the floor."

She then laughed when DOI host Phillip compared her to the GC, who was known for her diva behaviour during this year's series of the reality show.

Maura was unveiled while standing inside a giant inflatable snow globe.

 Maura stood in a snow globe before being confirmed for DOI
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Maura stood in a snow globe before being confirmed for DOICredit: refer to caption.
 The Sun revealed earlier this month that she will be taking part in the show
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The Sun revealed earlier this month that she will be taking part in the showCredit: refer to caption.
 Michael Barrymore was also confirmed by Phillip and Holly
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Michael Barrymore was also confirmed by Phillip and HollyCredit: Rex Features

Maura admitted she has only ever skated twice "for fun" and is most worried about the daring 'headbanger' move.

She said: "[Headbangers] frighten me a lot. I’m more excited than scared, though.

"I'm brave and competitive so I think that will drive me."

But speaking about her physical fitness levels, she said: "I don’t go to the gym so I’m going to struggle. I’m going to be training every day...my body isn't up for it!"

 Maura replaced Love Island co-star Amber Gill in the DOI line-up
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Maura replaced Love Island co-star Amber Gill in the DOI line-upCredit: ITV

The Sun exclusively revealed earlier this month that DOI bosses had dumped Love Island winner Amber Gill from their original 2020 line-up and replaced her with Maura.

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.

 Amber had hoped the show would be her next big TV project
Amber had hoped the show would be her next big TV projectCredit: Getty - Contributor

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.”

 Wes Nelson, seen here with dance partner Vanessa Bauer, secured a gig on Dancing on Ice earlier this year after appearing on Love Island in 2018
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Wes Nelson, seen here with dance partner Vanessa Bauer, secured a gig on Dancing on Ice earlier this year after appearing on Love Island in 2018Credit: Rex Features

Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice has also signed up ITN newsreader Lucrezia Millarini.

A source said: "Lucrezia can't wait to get onto the ice and is looking forward to trying something new and out of her comfort zone.

"Bosses think she's a natural in front of camera and will be a big success on next year's show."

Love Island's Maura and Curtis admit they're STILL not an official couple on This Morning


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