Dancing on Ice star Mollie Pearce life off-screen including health battles and 'life changing' surgery

Dancing on Ice gets underway tonight as the latest series of the ITV dance show takes to our screens with twelve new celebrity faces. Among those aiming to impress on the ice is Traitors star Mollie Pearce, who will partner with professional dancer Colin Grafton.

The model finished runner-up on the second series of The Traitors in 2024 so she will be a familiar face for many already. The TV star is among the favourites to be victorious in the competition and win the whole thing. As it stands, Mollie is joint second favourite with Corrie star Sam Aston. Leading the way as competition favourite before a skate has even touched the ice is Love Island star Chris Taylor.

Mollie joining the line-up was announced on Lorraine, where she was called a "brave soul" by the host. As rehearsals heated up and preparation got well underway, Mollie shared her excitement: "I'm raring to go now, the thought of it is scary but I just want to get started."

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Having experience in modelling from a young age, Mollie has worked on many brands as a disability model, including Kurt Geiger, Zalando and Bodyform, as well as appearing in a campaign for Vogue Portugal . She has also worked as a hospital healthcare assistant.

Mollie has experienced a number of health battles throughout her life so far. The 22-year-old was born with a visible limb difference on her right hand, Mollie faced another hurdle at the age of 11 when she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe pain, as well as diarrhoea and bleeding.

This led to surgery and life with a stoma bag she affectionately refers to as Sid. Mollie now proudly showcases her stoma bag, using her platform to promote greater visibility for people with disabilities.

Reflecting on her transformation post-surgery, Mollie told the BBC: "The first time I went out with my dad to a McDonald's drive-thru [after having the stoma], I remember not feeling panicked about needing the toilet. It was magic!" Discussing her stoma, she expressed its has helped her in lots of "ways."

The stoma was something the Dancing on Ice contestant opened up about in the penultimate episode of last year's series Traitors when the final five were enjoying a celebratory dinner. She revealed "I really struggled to get my head around the fact that I was going to have a stoma, I wasn't prepared for it. Eighteen-years-old, you kind of want to be out enjoying yourself with your friends, not having this life changing surgery."