Not only the non-skaters, but the professional skaters that we were teamed with. One of which was a skater from New York who was partnered with Andi Peters. She was very straight-talking, with a broad Bronx accent and didn't get the whole 'British' thing. During a rehearsal on the studio ice rink, we were all lined up in our 'Results' line chatting and passing the time,  when she turned to Kelly Holmes (Olympic Gold medallist) and said, So what's with the 'Dame' thing? Is your first name Dame and your second name Kelly?' There are many other stories of laughter, tears and tension. Not to mention the injuries and accidents. I managed to crack my head on the ice twice after my first head butt to the ice, I felt as if my brains were

slightly jangled like the pieces of a jigsaw in the box before you've put it all together. I was lying on the ice  with my head in my hands; Christopher Dean rushed over and immediately told me to rest my head back on the ice 'It's the biggest ice pack you can get'. I had never thought of that. Nevertheless, I made it through to the final with my gorgeous, talented and patient ice partner, Matt Evers.

The effect the show had on those of us involved and those who watched it has been incredible. I feel honoured to have been part of something that has brought a new activity and ice family to my world. They are so right TO say 'Life begins at 40' although for me it should read 'Ice begins at 40-ish'.