Rebekah Vardy reportedly wants to be partnered with gay skater Matt Evers to avoid any cheating rumours during her time on Dancing On Ice.
The star, 38, who is married to professional footballer Jamie Vardy, was announced this week as being set to take part in the next series of the ITV show.
Matt, 44, is openly gay and was paired with Ian ‘H’ Watkins in the 2020 series to be the competition’s first ever same-sex pairing.
Claims: Rebekah Vardy reportedly wants to be partnered with gay skater Matt Evers to avoid any cheating rumours during her time on Dancing On Ice (pictured with husband Jamie)
Now it has been alleged Rebekah is hoping to be paired with the professional to stop any potential romance rumours from spreading.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: ‘Becky loves Matt.
‘He’s one of the most famous skaters on the show and he’s gay, which means she can spend all her time training and on routines without being linked to him romantically.
‘She’s really happy in her relationship with Jamie and doesn’t want anything to rock the boat. She thinks they’d have a winning partnership and could go all the way.’
MailOnline has contacted Dancing On Ice and a representative for Rebekah to ask for a comment.
Professional: Matt, 44, is openly gay and was paired with Ian ‘H’ Watkins in the 2020 series to be the competition’s first ever same-sex pairing
Rebekah and Jamie have been happily married since 2016 and share children Finley, three, and Sofia, five, and baby Olivia together. She is also mum to Megan, 15, and Taylor, ten, from a previous relationship.
Rebekah confirmed she would be taking part in the show this week and added that Leicester City striker Jamie is hoping she doesn’t take too many tumbles on the ice.
The doting mother said: ‘He thinks it’s a brilliant idea. He’s really looking forward to watching me. And he hopes I don’t fall over too much.’
Ready to get skating: The mother-of-five was confirmed to be doing the show earlier this week
Getting ready: Rebekah has shared her excitement ahead of the show with Instagram snaps of her skates
And Rebekah has her dad to thank for teaching her how to ice skate during her younger years.
She said: ‘My dad taught me how to stand up on a pair of skates when I was about seven years old. We used to go skating a lot when my mum and dad split up.
‘We used to go and stay with him for the weekend and he used to take us to the local ice rink, so it’s a really fun family thing for us to have done together.
‘The only times I’ve been since is when I take the kids skating at Christmas.’
Other stars already confirmed for the show include Billie Faiers, Myleene Klass, Denise Van Outen and Jason Donovan.
Musician Lady Leshurr, British Olympians Colin Jackson and Graham Bell, and radio host Sonny Jay have also all been announced for the upcoming season.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will once again return to present the show and the expert panel of Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo will all resume their roles as judges.
On Saturday it was reported that Coleen Rooney allegedly sees Rebekah’s Dancing On Ice stint as a ploy to get the public to like her during their £1m libel court case.
The wife of Wayne Rooney, 34, is said to ‘not be having’ it, as she is certain that she has a solid case against her fellow WAG, 38, in their legal battle.
‘She’ll need the money!’ Coleen Rooney thinks Rebekah’s decision to join Dancing On Ice ‘is a ploy to get the public on her side in their libel court case’, it was claimed on Saturday
Speaking to The Sun on Saturday Coleen, who accused Rebekah of selling stories about her last year, joked: ‘She’ll need all the money she can get to take me on.’
Meanwhile a source also spoke to the publication, claiming that the pair were not prepared to ‘back down’ in their case.
Of Coleen’s thoughts on her rival’s decision to sign up to the reality competition show, they said: ‘As far as she is concerned Becky is using it to get the public on her side ahead of their libel trial.’
The source added that Rebekah was keen to put her skates on for Dancing On Ice as she sees it as her way to change people’s perceptions of her, and clear her name.
Rebekah is said to want to be seen as a devoted mother and wife, rather than a ‘snake’ who leaks stories to the press, a claim she has vehemently denied.
Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?
MYLEENE KLASS
Age: 42
Profession: Musician and radio host
Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’
JASON DONOVAN
Age: 52
Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours
Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’
FAYE BROOKES
Age: 33
Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street
Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’
COLIN JACKSON
Age: 53
Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality
Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’
REBEKAH VARDY
Age: 38
Profession: TV personality
Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’
DENISE VAN OUTEN
Age: 46
Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast
Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’
SONNY JAY
Age: 27
Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio
Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’
JOE-WARREN PLANT
Age: 18
Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale
Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’
GRAHAM BELL
Age: 54
Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist
Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’
LADY LESHURR
Age: 30
Profession: Rapper
Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’
Billie Faiers
Age: 30
Profession: Television personality
Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’