Jennifer Ellison angers DOI rivals

• Bang Showbiz
• 12 January 2012

Jennifer Ellison

'Dancing On Ice' contestants think show bosses are giving Jennifer Ellison preferential treatment because she was given an extra week to rehearse after her partner Dan Whiston suffered an injury

'Dancing On Ice' contestants think show bosses are giving Jennifer Ellison preferential treatment.

A number of stars competing in the skating contest are said to be angry after the performance schedule - which saw the celebrities split into two groups to perform either last week or this weekend - was changed to give her another week of rehearsals following an injury to her partner Dan Whiston.

However, Heidi Range had asked for an extra week after an injury to professional skater Sylvain Longchambon meant she had to be-re-partnered with Andre Lipanov but the request was turned down.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Jennifer has a big following. Bosses believe she will be a major draw and seem determined to do all they can to keep her in.

"They insisted Jennifer be given a bonus rest week so Jorgie Porter kindly offered to swap weeks. But when Heidi's partner Sylvain pulled out through injury, she requested an extra week to bond with her new pro skater Andrei - and was denied permission.

"Jennifer is very much ITV's golden girl and it's not sitting well with everyone else."

An ITV insider insisted the former 'Brookside' star's schedule switch had not caused any upset.

They said: "All the contestants appreciate the delay to Jen's performance was unavoidable because of an injury to her partner and there is no ill feeling."