Dancing on Ice judge Jayne Torvill: Gemma Collins has ‘extra-padding’ for any falls

Gemma Collins is well ‘padded’ for any falls in the rink, according to Dancing on Ice judge Jayne Torvill.

Torvill, who will be joined by former skating partner Christopher Dean on the show, told how “skinny” dancers have to wear padded things to protect their hips because they don’t have enough naturally.

Speaking ahead of the TOWIE star’s appearance on the show, she told The Sun: “You might say Gemma is a bit big, and she’s a tall lady too, which means you have further to fall.

“But if you’re skinny it hurts more because there’s not much natural padding. A lot of the skaters have to wear padded things to protect their hips.”

Torvill went on to praise the star on her “grace” and ability to move on the ice.

She added: “Gemma must have done ballet as a child, because she’s actually very dainty and graceful.”

Collins, who previously vowed to out-skate Torvill during her time on the show, has previously told how she hoped to “inspire” curvy women.

She told The Mirror: “My biggest supporters will be all the curvy dolls out there. I'm doing this to show all the ladies that it doesn't matter what size you are or who you are, you can achieve anything.”

Other stars expected to appear on the show include Grease star Didi Conn, X Factor star Saara Alto and Coronation Street’s Jane Danson.

Dancing on Ice is on ITV, Sunday at 6pm