Dancing on Ice star Ferne McCann's transformation as she breaks silence on 'tough' time amid love split rumours

Ferne McCann is gearing up for an action-packed year and it all kicks off with her appearance on the glittering ITV show Dancing On Ice. Embodying a snow queen in our exclusive photoshoot, the former TOWIE star said: "I’m so excited, Dancing On Ice is going to be really fun." Life, however, hasn't been without its challenges for Ferne recently. Last year concluded with unfounded rumours of a breakup between Ferne and her fiancé, Lorri Haines. These whispers prompted the couple to openly address the gossip on social media, confirming that while they face "arguments" like any other couple, their relationship remains firm and committed.

Ferne, who has a 17-month-old daughter Finty with Lorri, has evidently turned a new page, eagerly discussing her new adventures on ice and how she maintains the romantic flame with Lorri. When we broached the subject of the speculative "split", she disclosed: "It was so out of the blue," adding that the baseless chatter was so convincing it even drew concern from her family members, reports OK!. But she assures us, "My heart sank – I even had family members messaging me and asking what had happened. But we are good. We feel like we have to justify ourselves sometimes because, you know, every couple has their ups and downs."

Despite her positive outlook, Ferne hints that things haven't always been smooth sailing. Late last year, Ferne and Lorri were the subject of unfounded split rumours, prompting them to declare on social media that they are in a "committed relationship". The star, who shares little Finty with Lorri, has since been candid about her experiences on the ice, keeping the romance alive with Lorri, and managing it all as a dedicated mum.

Addressing those distressing "split" rumours, which the 34 year old described as "so out of the blue", Ferne disclosed, "My heart sank – I even had family members messaging me and asking what had happened. But we are good. We feel like we have to justify ourselves sometimes because, you know, every couple has their ups and downs. I think this is my first proper relationship and we are juggling so much with businesses and raising our children together; we're a blended family, with lots of different personalities. Don't get me wrong, we're not constantly upbeat and positive, but we're very much together and doing life together."

"When you've got multiple children, it's a lot. We're both busy working and it's like any household, it's about the moving parts. Sometimes we can be like passing ships if he's in the office and I'm working – it can be tough," Ferne further explained. Ferne candidly opened up about the challenges of being in the spotlight, sharing, "When it comes to comments on social media, it can be hard not to tune in to the one negative one – even when there's hundreds of positive ones. But you do develop a thick skin in this industry and life is what you make it. So, I could have gotten really anxious or down about the split rumours but I've just said, 'Let's park it and move forward'."

Ferne says, "I think this is my first proper relationship and we are juggling so much with businesses and raising our children together; we’re a blended family, with lots of different personalities. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not constantly upbeat and positive, but we’re very much together and doing life together."

Since admitting to seeking help from an intimacy coach after having their daughter Finty, Ferne reveals that she and Lorri are now "back in the same bed" after months of sleeping separately. "Ha, getting the intimacy back...," she laughs. "You really have to prioritise it when you’ve got children, it’s easy for it to be bottom of the pile. We had a baby and are very busy. But now we prioritise intimacy, and communication is key. You get those rare moments where you can have quality time together."

Ferne is also gearing up for a new challenge as she prepares to take part in Dancing On Ice, starting on 12 January. Initially struggling to skate, Ferne found it frustrating but is now learning to trust the process. "I couldn’t skate to start off with, so I found it really frustrating. I was just trying to trust the process," she explains. "I can’t wait until I just fully immerse myself into this whole experience and transform into different characters – kind of like I have today by wearing these amazing outfits. It feels like I’m a new character! " Ferne expresses her excitement about performing, a lifelong dream of hers.

Ferne, who embarked on an ice-skating journey last October with her partner Brendyn Hatfield, has confronted some challenges along the way. She admits to a mishap during her first day: "I fell on my first day of training and it really knocked my confidence. As an adult, learning a new skill, especially ice-skating, is super scary. Children have no fear, but skating on frozen water on a thin blade is hard! A few weeks in, I thought, ‘What have I let myself in for?'."

The dedicated mother of two, who had her daughter Finty with her partner Lorri in July 2023, aims to inspire her girls: "This is something for me," Ferne explains. "As a mum, you do feel you can lose your sense of identity. But I want to do it for my girls, too. Sunday’s at an age where she can come along to the studio – every time I think about her in the audience, it brings me to tears. How gorgeous that I can share this with my family."

She's competing against TOWIE's Dan Edgar, Coronation Street's Sam Aston, and Hollyoaks' Chelsee Healey amongst others. Always sociable, Ferne set up a friendly environment: "I set up a WhatsApp group the first week of training! " she reveals with laughter. "We have a lovely group. Everyone’s so good and has really brought their A game. We all have skills in different areas so it’s tough to say who my biggest competition is. But I love the real camaraderie between the group." Ferne has also discovered a fantastic connection with her skating partner Brendyn, saying, "We have the same banter, and both love a chat. So it’s been very relaxed – we chat away in between the skating."

The pair are keen to get to know each other even better off the ice and have organised a double-date dinner at Ferne's place, where she and partner Lorri will welcome Brendyn and his wife Rachel. Ferne shareed her passion for hosting, "We love hosting people, cooking is one of my favourite things to do. I am also looking forward to making more quality time with Lorri this year, life was so busy last year having a new baby, juggling parenting, work – and romance."

She mentioned how quickly their relationship progressed after meeting in 2021, with an engagement by the following year and setting up their life together in a beautiful Essex home. They've now been engaged for three years but according to Ferne, they're not hurrying down the aisle just yet. Ferne shared, "I did have wedding fever over the summer, we went to some amazing weddings. I even started a Pinterest board! But it’s about priorities and this year’s a big year. Planning a wedding is a mammoth task and, if I’m honest, I’m not sure I can take the added stress at the moment. Maybe 2026, we’ll see! ".

Ferne, these days, is all about family life. During our chat, her daughters often join in, showing just how involved she is as a parent. She's open to expanding her brood, confessing, "I feel like I’m not done," but quickly adds, "But right now, I feel blessed. We’re a blended family of five [Lorri has a son from a previous relationship]. I just feel so happy with my girls and they’ve got such a lovely relationship, they’re already really close."

Fans have had a front-row seat to Ferne's personal life through her reality show 'My Family And Me'. Yet, in a surprising move, Ferne has decided to step back from the show after seven years, a decision she says was tough but necessary. "I made this decision for the kids, so they can just be themselves without cameras around. That’s not to say it’s forever, but it’s right for now. It was emotional and don’t get me wrong, it’s an ending, but it was my decision. I need to stand by it and remind myself of why I made it."

Looking to the future, Ferne is filled with anticipation. "I’m excited for the future. I’ve got so many other passions, and I love being on TV. I’ve always said I can’t imagine my life without cameras." She also assures fans they've got a lot to look forward to as she reveals her ambitious plans. "I love a challenge, I’m big into sport – I love to swim and I’ve seen lots of people doing world records so I thought, ‘I fancy a bit of that.’ So I will be, and all will be revealed, very soon! " Ferne chuckles.

"I also want to do more documentary-style presenting, and write a book. I’ve been on such a healing journey, having therapy for a long time, and I’d like to share my experiences with others, especially women." Despite taking a step back from her own reality show, it’s clear there is no slowing down for Ferne, who seems set to tackle the year ahead with her signature flair.

Dancing on Ice returns Sunday 12th January from 6.30pm, live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player