Coronation Street's Samia Ghadie 'worried' by Dancing on Ice relationship speculation

Samia Ghadie (PA)

Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie kicked off the new series of Dancing on Ice last night saying she felt added pressure and worry because of speculation over her relationship with dance partner Sylvain Longchambon.

The 30-year-old actress, who plays Maria Connor in Corrie, was first to take to the ice in front of the judges on television tonight.

Earlier this week Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe pulled out of ITV's diving talent show Splash! days after she was reported to have split with professional dancer Longchambon.

Speaking before they danced, Ghadie said she wanted to "go out there and put everything else to one side and hopefully do my friends and my family proud".

Speaking after the first dance she told presenter Phillip Schofield: "Obviously with all the unwanted press attention it has been difficult this week but out there tonight I put the fallout to one side and didn't let it affect my skating.

"So regardless of that, that was the best that I can do anyway."

Ghadie was given support by sharp-tongued judge Jason Gardiner. He gave the pair a score of 3.5 - the lowest of all the judges but said they had great potential.

He added: "I know you are having a problem with the chemistry - don't shy away from that, ignore what everybody is saying but show us that there a strong partnership here and develop it."

PA