Dancing On Ice star Michaela Strachan, 58, stresses the importance of ‘pushing yourself out of your comfort zone as an older woman’ but admits she isn’t as flexible as she used to be

Michaela Strachan emphasizes the significance of stepping beyond one’s familiar boundaries, as she gears up for her skating adventure on Dancing On Ice.

Even though Michaela, aged 58, was delighted to accept the invitation for the ITV show, she confessed that she feels annoyed due to limited flexibility during the training sessions.

In an exclusive chat with TopMob, the Springwatch presenter expressed her joy about venturing beyond her comfort zone as she grows older, especially since she’s working alongside professional skater Mark Hanretty.

Over the course of my professional journey, I’ve consistently challenged myself beyond my familiar boundaries, and it’s rewarding to keep pursuing such growth.

She mentioned, “Have you noticed that I’ve been quite annoyed about something? It’s that, when I was considerably younger, I was extremely flexible. I could effortlessly perform the splits.

As I’ve grown older, I find myself stiffening more than before, which can be quite annoying. For example, when Mark asks me to perform an arabesque, my leg wouldn’t have reached as high as it does now in the past. These days, I’m fortunate if I can manage 90 degrees, and that slight shortcoming is a bit frustrating for me. Consequently, I strive to push myself to reach higher.

It seems I’m experiencing some mild discomfort in my lower back and hip flexors, but overall, I’m still doing alright.

At the Dancing On Ice photocall on Wednesday, Michaela exuded an astonishing beauty in a sleek dark blue satin shift gown while striking poses for photographs.

The wildlife presenter openly acknowledged that swapping her “warm clothing like thermals and hiking boots for eyelash and hair extensions” makes her feel uncomfortable.

She mentioned that the situation feels a little unfamiliar for her because she’s more accustomed to layers like thermals, warm hats, scarves, and sturdy walking shoes. This is quite distinct from what she’s used to.

In essence, once you put your signature there, you’re committing to the ‘Dancing on Ice’ experience. That means embracing the sparkle and the showy hand gestures.

Instead of asking for fewer eyelashes and hair extensions, I merely suggested it. However, it seems like we’ve only just started this process.

She candidly discussed the emotional strain she experienced during her battle with breast cancer, as well as expressing her apprehensions before her participation in Dancing On Ice.

Back in early 2014, I received a life-changing diagnosis following a routine mammography examination. After bravely facing the challenge, I underwent a double mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgery. Today, I stand as a proud testament to the resilience of the human spirit, having made a successful recovery from this experience.

Regarding participating in the ITV show, Michaela openly confessed that it’s the fitted tops that cause her discomfort, rather than the anxiety about potential gruesome injuries.

I can’t help but chuckle awkwardly! Who in their right mind devised a plan to attach blades to footwear, glide across a slick plane, and perform dazzling stunts? Such an idea is nothing short of marvelously ridiculous!

Over the course of its history, the program has unfortunately taken down several notable figures, including Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford, who suffered a tear in his abdominal muscles during the previous season.

In a past season, I couldn’t help but be enthralled by the thrilling tales of my favorite stars – like Jennifer Ellison who daringly self-decapitated with a skate, Denise Van Outen who bravely dislocated her shoulder, and the legendary Vanilla Ice who was left unconscious after an unexpected blow.

Even the professionals who partner with celebrities have been slashed by stray blades.

Michaela confessed that she had been apprehensive. Initially, when she agreed to this, she and her partner Nick impulsively watched a collection of mishaps on YouTube. Seeing the accidents, Nick turned to her and advised, “Don’t proceed with this. It’s not smart.

Michaela admitted that she had given serious consideration to stepping down, considering her age of 58 and the health challenges she has faced, including a cancer scare in her past.

My favorite nourishment for my spirit lies in trekking through the mountains. Am I willing to risk it? Am I willing to sustain an injury that could be long-lasting? I did entertain some doubts.

My soul’s sustenance comes from hiking in the mountains. Is it worth putting that at risk? Would I accept an injury that might linger forever? I did ponder a bit.

I reflected, ‘No, I don’t consider myself a quitter. I made a commitment to this, let’s proceed then.’

I, Michaela, hail from Surrey, yet in the year 2002, I found myself drawn towards Cape Town. The allure was none other than Nick Chevallier, a gifted South African cameraman and producer, whom I came to cherish deeply.

Initially, she began her coaching sessions with a local instructor at that location. During the first week, she was petrified of tripping up. Eventually, she did stumble but didn’t sustain any injuries. In her mind, she thought, ‘I guess it’s alright then.’ Naturally, there are instances where others get seriously injured; let’s hope I won’t be among them.

Currently, Michaela is residing in an Airbnb on a rural property close to Henley, approximately 8,500 miles from Nick. She spends four hours daily there, honing her skills at an ice rink located in Slough.

2021 seems to be an ideal opportunity for me, since it’s the first time I can do it, given that my child has begun their university studies.

Dancing On Ice returns Sunday January 12 at 6.30pm, live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

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2025-01-10 00:20