Dancing on Ice’s Christopher Dean has said Gemma Collins should be more of a ‘team player’ on the show.
The ice skating legend, 60, has revealed that he’s not impressed with the TOWIE star’s behaviour after reports claimed Gemma had been a ‘diva’ backstage – something she denied.
It was reported that Gemma turned up late for group rehearsals because she was napping, and an incident last Sunday that saw her leave the studio before the live show had even finished.
Chris told The Daily Star: “I wasn’t aware that Gemma had left early until a while afterwards when people were talking about it.
Read more: Gemma Collins hits back after DOI co-star criticises her weight
“What Gemma needs to learn is it’s all about being part of a team. So I’d like her to be part of a team.”
Chris believes The GC’s reality TV background could actually work against her, as it might not have left her with the same work ethic as Dancing On Ice’s other contestants.
He continued: “Some of them have a background of discipline because they’ve been in a band or been an athlete. That’s something Gemma hasn’t done before.”
During her first routine, Gemma and pro partner Matt Evers scored just 16 points out of a possible 40.
However, Chris said he hopes she remains on the show and believes she can get better if she “puts the hours in” by practising as much as possible – although he wasted no time in admitting that she has no chance of victory in the final.
In Chris’ eyes there are just five potential winners in this year’s series – Love Island’s Wes Nelson, Finnish pop star Saara Aalto, former Strictly pro James Jordan, Corrie star Jane Danson or Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton.
Chris secured a gold medal in ice skating at the 1984 Winter Olympics alongside fellow judge Jayne Torvill.
His comments follow brutal words from judge Jason Gardiner, who branded Gemma “lazy” and said he finds her performances “painful” to watch.
Read more: Stress of DOI backlash wreaking havoc on Gemma Collins’ body!
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “I can always see who’s lazy. Gemma is lazy. She doesn’t look like her heart is in it at all. I do despair – at the state of our society today and also the entertainment industry.”
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But viewers could be in for a surprise, as Gemma has promised to wow with her next performance.
So ambitious is her upcoming routine that she’s even worried it could leave her with a serious injury if she doesn’t get it right.
Do you think Chris is right to criticise Gemma? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.