'You'll see a different side to me on Dancing On Ice'

Love Island star Liberty Poole chats exclusively to about swapping villa life for the ice rink, why she’s no longer looking for love and her big dreams for 2022 and beyond

RIANNE ISON

She dramatically quit the last series of Love Island just days before the final, following the end of her turbulent relationship with Jake Cornish. But Liberty Poole isn’t about to let that hold her back.

The 21-year-old former Nando’s waitress from Birmingham, who’s now single, is walking straight on to another prime-time entertainment show after winning the hearts of the nation during her time in the famous villa.

She’s following in the footsteps of fellow Love Island alumni Maura Higgins, Kem Cetinay, and Wes Nelson and getting her skates on for the latest series of Dancing On Ice – and she couldn’t be more thrilled.

“I got the call on my birthday, I was so excited,” Liberty tells new during our exclusive shoot, where she’s channelling a beautiful snow queen. “As a kid growing up watching the show, you never think one day you’ll be on it.”

During our chat, it’s clear the down-to-earth star hasn’t stopped wearing her heart on her sleeve since becoming everyone’s favorite girl next door.

“It’s a shame Love Island didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” she says. “I wouldn’t say I went in as a different person, because I was myself all the way through, but I definitely think I’m stronger because of what happened.”

Here, Liberty reveals all about joining the 2022 line-up of Dancing On Ice, her whirlwind year since calling it quits with Jake, and why she’d love to host a TV show with Island BFF Kaz Kamwi…

Hi Liberty! How excited were you when you got the call for Dancing On Ice?

I actually sort of manifested it. My management said, “If there’s one thing you want to do, what is it?” And I wrote down Dancing On Ice. So I feel like it was meant to be. Then I got the call on my birthday. I was so excited. As a kid growing up watching the show, you never think one day you’ll be on it.

What made you want to sign up?

I’ve just always liked ice skating with my mates. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been good at it, but I used to like going around Christmas time. I’ve also always been a massive fan of the show. Me and my mum used to watch it, so it’s like a nostalgia thing for me.

How did your mum react?

My mum was through the roof ecstatic. She’s such a huge fan of the show. I’d even go so far as to say a superfan. I FaceTimed my mum with Torvill and Dean there and I think she shed tears of joy. When she meets them in person, that will be a magical moment. I think she’ll probably try to get her skates on when I’m performing [laughs.]

You’ve been training for a few months. How’s it going?