Dancing on Ice star Olga Sharutenko reveals all ahead of her show in Dartford

‘HOW could you not have fun with Keith Chegwin?’

Olga Sharutenko is incredibly enthusiastic about both Dancing on Ice and skating in general.

It seems the novelty has never worn off for the Russian-born performer and listening to her experiences makes you want to - quite literally – get your skates on and brave the ice.

She will appear in Dartford in May as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty on Ice but she has taken some out of rehearsals to chat with News Shopper about the glamour of ice dancing and what it was like coaching celebrities.

She was partnered with Keith Chegwin on ITV’s recent Dancing on Ice and although the pair was eliminated in the 7th round Olga still has a soft spot for the presenter who surpassed many people’s expectations.

She explained how she spotted Keith’s potential early on: “I could tell when I first saw him skate that he was good.

“Some of the celebrities, when they first get out there, they are literally crawling along the ice but he could balance and actually travel.

“Keith was so dedicated and tried so hard. He trained a lot, he worked his muscles.

"He was not just there to have fun, he took it very seriously and I was very proud of him.

“I think he surprised a lot of people.”

Olga has nothing but good things to say about her time on the TV show which saw Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle reign victorious.

She said: “I had a great time working on that show.

“Me and the celebrities, we enjoyed it so much. You would forget that you weren’t just there to have fun.

“I was so happy for Beth when she won. She was so shocked.

“It’s always amazing when you see your name at the top of the leader board. It is a bit like winning the Olympics.”

Olga revealed how ice skating runs in her blood: “My grandmother first started taking me out when I was five. Everyone does it where I’m from because you can skate on the street.

“My mother also did it but I never saw her compete professionally.”

“I also did ballet but then when I was older they told me I had to choose because the different techniques work different muscles, they are not complimentary.

“The reason I chose skating is because it is so theatrical and involves so much more than just dancing.”

Luckily Olga has given the rest of us – who may be slightly less coordinated - some tips on how to hone our skating skills.

“My tip for aspiring skaters is just to get out there on the ice.

“It’s difficult because there are not many ice rinks around but you just have to get out there again and again and practice.

“Figure skating comes with repetition. It is very addictive.

“It is an incredible feeling when you manage to do a move you haven’t done before.

“The outfit helps you become that character – in the same way an evening dress makes you feel beautiful, many of the costumes make me feel as though I am a princess and I have found my prince.”

Finally Olga revealed how she has managed to balance her hectic performing schedule with her home life.

She said: “I’ve seen a lot of couples struggle when they are separated – it is difficult because you are on tour for five months.

“I’m lucky to have my other half on tour with me.”

The Imperial Ice Stars are appearing in Sleeping Beauty on Ice between May 1 and 5 at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford.

For more information, visit orchardtheatre.co.uk/Online