
Dancing on Ice Heats Up as Michaela Strachan Tops the Leaderboard with Stunning Routine
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ITV’s Dancing on Ice is in full swing, and all 11 celebrities have now performed their routines. BBC star Michaela Strachan currently leads the leaderboard with an impressive 30.5 points, followed closely by Mollie Pearce, who scored 29.5 for her routine with Colin Grafton.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Mollie discussed her journey on the show and how her stoma bag influences her performances. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 18, Mollie underwent surgery to have her large intestine removed and a stoma bag fitted, reported by the Mirror.
Richard Madeley asked Mollie about her experience adjusting to life with a stoma bag at such a young age. “I had my large intestine removed; now my small intestine sticks outside my stomach, and my waste is collected into a bag,” Mollie explained. “For me, it was something that I really struggled to get my head around. I never wanted it; for years and years, I made the decision not to have it.”
Mollie shared that she tried multiple treatments before accepting the stoma bag, which ultimately became a life-changing decision. “That’s not the same for everyone,” she noted, adding that her father, who also has ulcerative colitis, responded well to other treatments.
Reflecting on the surgery, Mollie said, “As soon as I had gone through the surgery and I started to get my strength back and feel better, it turned into the best thing I’d ever done.” She affectionately referred to her stoma, named Sid, as a lifesaver. “It literally saved my life, changed my life. I wouldn’t be able to do any of these things.”
Mollie hopes to break the stigma surrounding stoma bags and bowel conditions. “It doesn’t have to be a taboo subject or carry a massive stigma. For me, it’s been such a positive. Of course, it does come with challenges, but it’s not the end of the world.”
This weekend, Mollie and Colin will return to the ice for a Beauty and the Beast-themed performance during Movie Week. However, viewers won’t see Chelsee Healey, who became the first celebrity eliminated from the competition.
Chelsee expressed her emotions after her exit, saying to her partner Andy Buchanan, “I feel, personally, there’s been a lot going on with me that I’ve been struggling with, so I couldn’t completely focus. I’m just really grateful. I’ve had the best time.”
Mollie’s inspiring journey on Dancing on Ice continues to capture hearts as she proves that challenges don’t define one’s ability to shine.