DANCING On Ice’s Libby Clegg says rumours the show is “fixed” in her favour are “upsetting and hard” on her family.
The blind Paralympian, 29, was saved by the judges in Sunday’s skate-off – but trolls claimed it was only because show bosses wanted her in the final.
Libby Clegg has opened up about how trolls have upset her family
“It’s been hard for my family. It’s been really upsetting,” Libby admitted to The Sun Online.
“I don’t look at the hate online because everyone is going to have an opinion and I am really happy within myself.
“But my family have seen how hard I’ve worked over the years and how much of a struggle things have been.
“So when people say horrible stuff about me online it really upsets them.
The blind Paralympian has reached the final in Dancing on Ice
“They know it’s not true so they want to defend me, but don’t want to get involved in the social media battle.”
Libby will compete against Perri Kiely and Joe Swash on Sunday for a chance to win the 2020 series.
The 29-year-old says she feels “lucky to be here” after a tough battle to learn how to skate – despite being registered blind.
She’s been so impressive that her dance partner Mark Hanretty has previously admitted that he “forgets” she is blind – and has left her stranded on the rink.
Libby revealed this week she’s lost over one stone of “mum weight” since signing up to Dancing on Ice.
She gave birth to baby Edward in April 2019 with an emergency c-section and signed up to compete in the ITV show five months later.
And Libby says skating has helped her shed the pounds and tone up.
“After having Edward it’s been great to get back into shape again,” she told The Sun Online.
“I’m literally in the best shape I’ve ever been in.
“I’ve lost a lot of weight, about eight kilos.
“And I’ve toned up more because after having a baby your body feels horrendous. My joints weren’t attached to my body any more – it was hideous!
“It’s been great tightening up again.
“When I go back to athletics training I’ll be in a really good position.”
“I recognise and observe things you wouldn’t really notice on a daily basis in my normal life, so I try to do that on the ice rink as well.”
Libby has no central vision or depth perception due to deteriorating eye condition Stargardt’s Muscular Dystrophy.
She is the first blind person to compete on Dancing On Ice after becoming a double Paralympic champion at the 2016 Paralympic Games in the 100m and 200m races.
- Dancing on Ice’s finale airs Sunday at 6pm on ITV
- Dancing on Ice’s finale airs Sunday at 6pm on ITV
