Skating trainer Karen Barber admits she is a “strict” coach who has no time for messing about – but she seems to be a big of Gemma Collins’ attitude.
The former Olympian told The Mirror she expects the highest standards and to be given respect while mentoring the famous faces.
But the 57-year-old also said she isn’t bothered if she intimates some rink newbies and pays no attention if they play up.
And woe betide any celeb who thinks their ideas for a routine may eclipse hers – she claims she cuts them right down to size.
Read more: ‘Injured’ Brian McFadden faces up to the possibility he could be finished on DOI
Karen, who says she has no need to raise her voice when instructing skating students, indicated she rules the rink.
“There’s no point going against what I say because you don’t know better,” she said when asked about celebrities’ input.
“I’ll listen to your suggestion then go ‘no.’ That’s happened a few times. There’s no point dressing it up.”
The steely star also noted the show’s current crop of contestants may not be as irritating as it can appear to those watching at home.
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Read more: DOI fans give their backing to Brian McFadden’s “therapy”
Appraising two of the show’s biggest personalities, she said: “Brian is not a joker with me. Gemma is respectful, works hard and does what I ask of her. When she steps off the ice it’s none of my business.”
Despite Brian showing Karen his serious side, he was still all smiles earlier today – even as he revealed he hasn’t trained all week due to injury.
He admitted: “I’m just going to kind of wing it tonight, so it should be interesting.”
The 38-year-old also said he’s determined not to be bitter if he’s booted out.
He reflected: “If this is my last week over injury, that’s the way it is. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve had a great time, I’ve enjoyed every week. I’m just going to go out and have fun tonight.”
– Dancing On Ice airs on Sundays on ITV at 6pm
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