Inside Dancing on Ice star Michaela Strachan’s life – from tough cancer battle to devastating personal losses
WILDLIFE expert Michaela Strachan has been a familiar face since debuting on-screen in the 1980s.
The Springwatch star, 58, will take to the ice rink in next year’s Dancing on Ice.
Michaela was confirmed for the line-up on Wednesday, live on ITV‘s Lorraine.
She joins fellow famous faces such as Corrie’s Sam Aston, The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce and Sir Steve Redgrave, among others.
Speaking during Lorraine, Michaela revealed she almost did the show several years earlier.
The presenter said: “I was considered for the show 14 years ago – I’ve been considered for it twice – but this year they’ve asked me to do it.”
Previously, Michaela opened up about her “shocker of a year” following three devastating losses and a battle with breast cancer.
Her sister-in-law passed away, while two of her close friends lost children.
She told Express.co.uk: “These were people our age. I know I’m getting on but I’m 57 – I shouldn’t know this number of people who have died.
“I went from her funeral, basically, to [BBC Two show] Pilgrimage. So I was carrying grief, which made it a different journey.”
Michaela added: “I don’t think I would have processed the grief.
“I would have compartmentalised it. I can be quite controlling in my own emotions sometimes.”
Previously, the presenter underwent a double mastectomy when she was 48 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Two years later, her close friend Lucy Bowden also received the diagnosis.
Michaela said: “We became particularly close in recent years because she had breast cancer. She was diagnosed two years after me with a very similar diagnosis.
“I was one of the first people she found when she said ‘I’ve got breast cancer.’
Everything you need to know about Springwatch
Springwatch began in 2005 and showcases British wildlife during the changing of the seasons in the United Kingdom
It’s presented by Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin
Chris and Michaela joined the show from 2009 and 2011 onwards, respectively
Just like last year, the long-running series is broadcasting live from RSPB Arne in Dorset
A total of 19 series have aired to date, with the 20th edition now on air on BBC Two
The show’s popularity over the years spawned spin-offs Autumnwatch and Winterwatch
Autumnwatch began as a one-off, but was expanded into its own series from 2006 to 2022
Last year, the Beeb cancelled Autumnwatch citing budget concerns and having a smaller audience than its counterparts
The original presenting line-up for Springwatch included comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie, television presenter Kate Humble and naturalist Simon King
Bill, known for his work with The Goodies, exited the programme in 2008, followed by Simon in 2010 and Kate in 2011
“I said, ‘I’m going to help you through this, you’re going to be okay. You’re going to be like me – same diagnosis’.
Sadly, Lucy’s cancer came back and she passed away, leaving Michaela heartbroken.
In 2002, Michaela made the move to South Africa, where she lives with partner Nick Chevallier.
They have a son together, Oliver, while Nick has three children from a previous relationship.