Maura Higgins' 'Dancing On Ice' training has been "tough".
Maura Higgins at the ITV Palooza
The former 'Love Island' star - who appeared in the villa over the summer - is set for the 2020 return of ITV's celebrity figure skating competition and she admitted that despite the gruelling preparations, she has been having a great time getting to know the rest of the team.
Speaking at the ITV Palooza at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Tuesday night (12.11.19), she exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It's tough but I'm loving it, absolutely loving it.
"I never expected to enjoy it, as much as I am enjoying it. The whole team are incredible. I get on with absolutely everyone, we have a laugh.
"I met my pro skater, he's lovely, he's a great dancer and such a good teacher and I'm very lucky."
The 28-year-old beauty appeared at the event with her partner Curtis Pritchard, and she opened up on the secrets to their relationship lasting outside the villa.
She said: "I don't know, it just works for us.
"We just make time for each other and we get along and we support one another, and that's all you can do."
Maura's 'Dancing On Ice' update comes after she revealed she's "battered and bruised" from her training, but she knows the intense rehearsals will be "worth it".
She recently said: "I've got bruises all over my legs. I'm battered and bruised but it'll be worth it.
"I've definitely progressed and improved, but I've got a long way to go."
And the reality star previously admitted it was the dreaded headbanger which she is most nervous about performing on the ice.
She explained: "It's massive. [The headbanger] is what frightens me - but I think I'm more excited than scared.
"Like, I'm brave and competitive, so I think that'll drive me ... I've skated twice in my life just for fun, so I have no experience at all. It's very scary."