Dancing on Ice hopeful Melody Thornton has admitted that competing in the show feels like being part of a “dysfunctional family,” after Gemma Collins’ much-publicised feud with judge Jason Gardiner dominated coverage of this year’s series.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly on today’s Lorraine, the former Pussycat Doll said that she “[doesn’t] watch” any of her fellow contestants as she wants to “focus on winning.”
The presenter reiterated comments which Gardiner had made on the show earlier this week, when he suggested that the GC's departure from the show would give other contestants "time to shine," prompting Thornton to seemingly agree.
The 34-year-old then touched on Collins’ previous spat with Gardiner, telling Kelly: “You know what, actually I was asked about another incident where the two of them [Collins and Gardiner] got into [a row].
“I was backstage getting ready. I always miss it.
“I describe myself, I guess if we’re a dysfunctional family, I’m the sister that’s away at college and has no idea what’s going on.”
She went on to reveal that her Dancing on Ice co-stars shouldn’t underestimate her desire to win.
“I think some people think I’m maybe not as competitive as anyone else, mostly because I don’t watch anyone else,” she said.
“I’m only concerned about me. My dad used to say winners focus on winning and losers focus on winners.”
Thornton also touched upon her time in the Pussycat Dolls alongside Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberly Wyatt, Ashley Roberts and Jessica Sutta, and explained that she found her time in the group “challenging” after she was told she would have to dance rather than provide lead vocals.
“The issue for me stemmed from getting into the group,” she told Kelly. “‘She’s got this Christina Aguilera ability, this girl is gonna be so great.’ I was like, all my dreams are going to happen.
“Then the gears shifted in a different direction. They said we’re going to have Nicole do all the recording and you will have to dance. I was the weakest dancer. It was really challenging. It was tough.”
The star did concede that the band had “fun,” and said that she would never rule out a reunion, telling Kelly: “You can never say never.
“I think mutual respect amongst each other now we’re women in the biggest element. We’ve earned our own way now.”
Lorraine airs on weekdays on ITV at 8.30am. Dancing on Ice is on ITV, Sunday at 6pm
