Amy Tinkler says 'Dancing On Ice' has helped with body image issues

Amy Tinkler has said being on Dancing On Ice has boosted her body confidence, after previously saying she was weight-shamed during her gymnastics career.

The 21-year-old Olympian has been drafted in to the ITV ice-skating show to replace Denise Van Outen, who was forced to pull out after breaking her shoulder in three places.

Tinkler has previously said she was the victim of bullying and body-shaming during her time in gymnastics, even saying last year that the Olympic bronze medal she won in 2016 was not worth the abuse she had to take throughout her time in the sport.

Read more: Denise van Outen threw up from pain of Dancing On Ice injury

But she told the Mirror that being on Dancing On Ice has helped her with her body-image issues.

“I am getting help for that and doing this show has helped me put all that to one side and be happy again,” she said.

“There is no pressure about my weight in this show, no pressure if I don’t get through a routine,” added Tinkler, who has now retired from gymnastics.

“We are wearing tight clothes but I’m happy with that.”

Tinkler stepped in earlier this month after Van Outen announced she was pulling out of the competition.

The TV star was left in agony after breaking her shoulder during training.

Announcing her exit on Instagram, she said she was “gutted” her spin on the ice had come to an end.

Read more: Billie Faiers to miss Dancing On Ice after family bereavement

The new series of Dancing On Ice started this month, with Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo on the judging panel and Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield returning as hosts.

Watch: Myleene Klass falls during Dancing On Ice training