Gemma Collins has faced claims of diva behaviour on Dancing On Ice 2019.
It had been reported that Gemma missed rehearsals and then left last Sunday’s show before the end of filming.
Gemma herself hit back at the suggestions of her being a ‘diva’, and accused people of trying to ‘sabotage’ her chances on the ice.
Now head coach Karen Barber says that Gemma has been “great” to work with.
She told DigitalSpy: “In my company, as her coach, she’s been great. She’s put the work in and she’s really had a great attitude.
“I don’t do the social media so much, maybe it’s all out there! In my company, she’s been great. And, so, that’s how she’s learned to skate because she’s put the work in.”
Gemma’s pro partner Matt Evers has also spoken up to defend Gemma, denying the ‘diva’ claims from the weekend.
“Gemma did not take a nap, [as was claimed]. We’re there first thing in the morning on Sunday. We do camera blocking, then a dress rehearsal,” he told ITV’s Lorraine in Gemma’s defence. “So by the time the show hits at 6pm, you are exhausted.”
He added of her ‘early exit’ on Sunday evening: “She got a text saying, ‘your car has arrived’. So she went. She asked someone first. I’m not sure who.”
Meanwhile, Dancing On Ice judge Christopher Dean has joked about Gemma’s early exit last weekend.
He told the Daily Star newspaper: “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. I hope she will stay for the whole show this week.
“I wasn’t aware that Gemma had left early until a while afterwards when people were talking about it. 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.”
Dancing On Ice continues Sunday nights at 6PM on ITV.
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