Dancing on Ice clash for Michaela Strachan as she strives to keep both ITV and BBC happy
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Dancing on Ice’s Michaela Strachan has a massive task on her hands next week as she juggles learning a brand new routine while also presenting live BBC series Winterwatch from Dorset. Bookies have placed Michaela, 58, as the 5/2 favourite to win the ITV ice-skating series after watching her impressive debut performance on Sunday. But while she is let off having to compete this weekend as the remaining contestants make their debuts on the ice, she will need to perfect her second dance while also co-hosting alongside Chris Packham every evening from Tuesday 21 January.
Insiders said that her professional partner, Mark Hanretty will relocate to Dorset with her next week so they can continue training nearby ahead of rehearsals and planning for Winterwatch, which is screened live on BBC2 from the heart of RSPB Arne in Dorset.
Michaela, who lives in South Africa, says she jumped at the chance of signing for the ITV reality show because it meant she could stay in the UK with her son as he starts university here. One insider said: “Michaela is going to have her work cut out as she tries to perfect her routine for Dancing on Ice alongside preparing for Winterwatch each day. It’s going to be pretty full on, but she’s confident she can do it.”.
While some sections of Winterwatch are pre-recorded, much of the hour-long show is live and Michaela admits it’s hard to say in advance what the series will show. One of her favourite aspects of the programme are the remote rigged cameras, which capture live action wildlife appearances from the site. “Every season they bring something to surprise us, something we weren't expecting, something unscripted and I always love that.”.
