coach trip alex murphy

Dancing On Ice pro 'blames' Coach Trip as she announces engagement to YouTube star

Dancing On Ice pro Alexandra Murphy is engaged to Paul Klein, with the newly engaged skating jokingly 'blaming' Celebrity Coach Trip for setting her up with the YouTube star

• 19:45, 12 Jan 2023
• Updated 21:50, 12 Jan 2023

Dancing On Ice professional Alexandra Murphy is engaged!

The skater was left stunned when boyfriend Paul Klein got down on one knee and popped the question, after the happy couple met thanks to appearing on Celebrity Coach Trip together.

Alexandra was left in tears thanks to the YouTube star's romantic proposal in front of her friends and family - also turning the air blue and swearing at one point!

Content creator Paul shared a detailed video of how the proposal went down with his fans on Instagram this afternoon - telling his followers: "This Proposal Will Make You Cry."

In the video, Paul - one half of the duo Woody and Kleiny - leads his futures wife outside of their car to an outside venue where a romantic proposal was waiting for her.

Huge light-up letter spelled out 'Marry Me' at the lavish display which also featured tons of heart-shaped red balloons.

Ice skater Alexandra couldn't hide her surprise as she repeatedly put her hands to her face as Paul wiped away a tear before asking his partner to marry him.

The pair hugged it out after an excited Alexandra accepted Paul's proposal - with the American Dancing On Ice star quickly calling her mum in the States to let her know the good news.

"Leave it to me to swear in my own proposal," Alexandra commented underneath the video shared online today - going on to add: "We can finally tell you all. I blame @coachtripofficial for everything."

Former Dancing On Ice contestant was one of the first to congratulate the happy couple, commenting: "How amazing darling so happy for you both @almurph18."

Love Island star Kem Cetinay, who competed on the ITV series with Alexandra, quipped: "Love you both, can't wait to break dance at the wedding."

Kem's fellow islander Chris Hughes simply wrote: "Love it team x."

Blue singer Anthony Costa added: "We better get invited we were there from the beginning lol. Congratulations xx."

Anthony was one of the celebrities on board the coach when the newly-engaged couple took part separately on the Channel 4 show Coach Trip.

Paul enjoyed a journey with his comedy partner, while Alexandra rode alongside her fellow skating star brianne Delcourt.

The two stars began dating shortly after filming wrapped.

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Alex Murphy Dancing on Ice: DOI professional’s boyfriend, nationality and stroke ordeal revealed

7 February 2020, 12:30

By Zoe Adams

Who is DOI professional Alex Murphy? Where is she from and does she have a boyfriend? Facts revealed.

Alex Murphy joined the professional Dancing on Ice line up for it’s return in 2018 with Love Island’s Kem Cetinay.

The American dancer, who is now partnered with Joe Swash for 2020, has been a firm favourite on the ice for the past three shows - but who is she?

From where Alex is from, to her boyfriend and even her stroke ordeal, here are all the facts you need to know:

Where is DOI professional Alex Murphy from?

Born in the United States, the DOI star grew up near Boston in the city North-Woburn.

Thanks to her dancing and ice career, she has travelled the world and even took up residence in Germany where she competed on their version of Dancing on Ice.

Does Alex have a boyfriend?

Alex took part in Celebrity Coach trip in 2019 where she met new boyfriend, YouTube star Paul Klein

Alex Murphy’s stroke

Alex has been very open and honest about her tough health journey which saw her suffer a stroke at the young age of 23.

Working on a cruise ship around the Canary Islands, Alex said: “They couldn’t find out just what it was in the Canary Islands after a week.

“I had a headache for a few days but figured it would go away. It didn’t. Then I collapsed on the ship.”

It turned out Alex had a hole in her heart, which was repaired with keyhole surgery.

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Dancing on Ice star Alex Murphy marries YouTuber Paul Klein

"It was the best day of our lives."

The couple announced their engagement earlier this year, having originally met on Celebrity Coach Trip a few years ago.

The pair are now officially married, and have shared pictures from their big day at Ashridge House in Hertfordshire via Hello! .

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"It was the best day of our lives," Alex told the magazine. "I'd dreamed of having a winter wedding and it was better than I could ever have imagined. I felt so excited to be surrounded by the people we love that I was jumping up and down the whole day."

Paul added: "It really was the most magical day. I'm not usually an emotional guy, but I kept crying tears of happiness."

Speaking further about seeing herself in her dress, Alex recalled: "When I saw my reflection, I gasped. This dress was designed to be worn in three different ways, which I did. There was even a hidden pocket to carry my vows.

"My initials were embroidered on the inside, and a piece of my mum Lynda's wedding dress was stitched into the lining."

Related: Dancing on Ice star reveals injury from show training

In attendance at the wedding were current Dancing on Ice judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and former judge Karen Barber.

Paul proposed to Alex in a sweet video shared back in January, in which he played a song written for her as he drove her to a location to meet friends and family, before getting down on one knee in front of a 'Marry Me' sign.

After saying yes, Alex phoned her mother, later commenting on the post: "We can finally tell you all. Leave it to me to swear in my own proposal. I blame @coachtripofficial for everything."

Dancing on Ice airs on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies , TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International .  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind , and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.

.css-15yqwdi:before{top:0;width:100%;height:0.25rem;content:'';position:absolute;background-image:linear-gradient(to right,#51B3E0,#51B3E0 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 2.5rem,#E5ADAE 5rem,#E5E54F 5rem,#E5E54F 7.5rem,black 7.5rem,black);} Dancing on Ice

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Dancing on Ice's Alex Murphy emotional after shock proposal - exclusive photos

The professional ice skater kept her engagement secret for weeks.

Dancing on Ice champion Alex Murphy got engaged on 4 December but waited over a month before announcing the news to her followers – and she's still in shock!

The professional ice skater, who won the 2020 competition with Joe Swash, shared a video of the moment her fiancé Paul Klein popped the question, which she admitted took "months of planning." Now, Alex has shared new photos and details exclusively with HELLO! – take a look.

WATCH: Speaking of show-stopping engagements, check out more celebrity engagement rings

Alex was dressed in leather leggings and a red belted jacket ahead of her trip to Winter Wonderland in December – or so she thought until Paul, one-half of YouTube duo Woody and Kleiny, began playing a personalised song for her in the car. 

"They told me that I was getting into the car and I was doing a blind reaction video to a friend's new song that was coming out," she told us.

Alex burst into tears when she saw the 'Marry Me' sign

"And then obviously, he played the song, and it had to do with us. And I was like, 'What is this?' To be honest, I still thought it was a prank all the way until we got out of the car. Until I saw the sign."

DOI LATEST:  Love Island winner Ekin-Su addresses Dancing on Ice 'curse' – and reveals Davide's reaction

Paul had set up a white sign that read, 'Will you marry me,' surrounded by red roses while some of their closest friends and family tearfully watched on. Alex said the entire set-up came as a huge shock to her, as they hadn't really spoken about marriage yet.

Paul had set up a surprise proposal with their closest friends and family

"I wasn't expecting it. Or not even close. We obviously knew we were going to be together forever. But we had kind of mentioned that we would talk about all that stuff maybe this coming year. I had no clue, he totally got me," she said, which explains her very emotional reaction.

Paul presented Alex with an oval diamond, which she described as "the perfect ring." And the design was very carefully thought out by Paul, she revealed.

The Dancing on Ice star explained her oval diamond was from New York

"Both my mother and my cousin Cara, who is my sister, they both have gold rings. So I always thought I would want a gold ring because they remind me of them. But it's an oval ring and it has little hidden diamonds around the side of it. It's gorgeous."

The TV star added that the main diamond was sourced from New York, which was a sweet nod to her American heritage. 

"He knew the type of diamond that I wanted, so he tried to find the exact right one. I think it just happened to have been in America, which isn't that just amazing?" Alex added. "He loves the American culture. And he, he's adapted to it with my American family."

The couple and their friends went on to celebrate their engagement at Winter Wonderland

Speaking of America, we asked if the couple has any plans to host an engagement party (or a wedding!) there in the future. Alex said she had already travelled to Boston to break the news to her closest friends and family personally around one week after the proposal, but added that they will "definitely" host some sort of wedding celebration in both the UK and the US.

So when can we expect more news about their wedding plans? "I love winter, obviously. I'd love to have a winter wedding. That would be the dream." Watch this space, a 2023 wedding could be on the horizon…

NOW SEE:  12 Dancing on Ice stars' stunning wedding photos: Holly Willoughby, Oti Mabuse & more

Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.

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Meet the Celebrity Coach Trip 2020 cast: Gogglebox stars to TOWIE’s finest!

Channel 4’s Coach Trip was such a success that the channel opted for a celebrity edition of the show.

What could be better? A load of celebrities that barely even know each other stuck on a coach together for weeks? Sounds like the kind of tea-spilling drama we’re into, anyway.

He often has a harder time rounding up these kind of folks than the regular Coach Trip go-ers he gets. Cue Brendan and his clipboard as Celebrity Coach Trip is back!

The Celebrity Coach Trip 2020 cast has officially been announced. So let’s see who’s on the coach!

Tommy Mallett and Georgia Kousoulou

The Only Way is Essex is just the gift that keeps on giving. The show has given us new words to add to our vocabulary, Gemma Collins and an array of new fashion brands.

One TOWIE star to launch his fashion brand into the stratosphere is Tommy Mallett. He and girlfriend Georgia are ready for a coach trip of a lifetime in 2020.

Celebrity Coach Trip 2020 cast: Amy and Jonathan Tapper

Gogglebox father and daughter duo Amy and Jonathan Tapper are also jumping on-board the coach.

The Tappers are no longer starring on Gogglebox but Amy did move on to appear on Celebs Go Dating in 2018!

Mum Nikki and brother Josh will be sitting this one out, but Amy and Jonathan can enjoy some father-daughter bonding on the trip!

Adele Roberts and Kate Holderness

Adele Roberts found even further fame than being a Radio 1 DJ in 2019 when she took part in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Adele may have been the first campmate voted out of the Jungle but she and her partner, actor Kate Holderness, will, no doubt, fair well on Celebrity Coach Trip.

Antony Costa and Simon Webbe

What would Celebrity Coach Trip be without a couple of members of a noughties pop group?

Two boys from Blue – Antony Costa and Simon Webbe are ready to do some travelling in 2020.

While Antony’s been pretty much out of the spotlight, Simon’s made the odd celebrity appearance here and there. Let’s hope for some renditions of ‘ Sorry seems to be the hardest word ” – or not?

Celebrity Coach Trip 2020 cast: Woody and Kleiny

Internet pranksters Woody and Kleiny are also jumping on the Celebrity Coach Trip.

They’re a comedy duo – both named Paul – which is probably why they’ve opted to go by their surnames.

The pair has over 2.2 million subscribers on YouTube and a further following of almost 5 million on Instagram @woodyandkleiny .

Cici Coleman and Rustie Lee

First Dates waitress Cici Coleman is paired up with TV personality Rustie Lee during series 3 of Celebrity Coach Trip.

Cici is on Instagram with around 120,000 followers @cici_coleman_.

Alex Murphy and Brianne Delcourt

Joining the coach trip a little later in Beaucaire, France were Dancing on Ice professionals Alex and Brianne.

The pair describe themselves as ‘besties’ and are both masters in their field.

Alex hails from the Netherlands and is on Instagram as @almurph18 with around 52,000 followers.

Partnered with Kevin Kilbane for Dancing on Ice 2020, you can follow Brianne on Instagram @brianne_tv where she has over 40,000 followers.

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WATCH CELEBRITY COACH TRIP 2020 ON CHANNEL 4 FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 6TH AT 7:30 PM.

Alex murphy

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

JOINED BY HER ‘DANCING ON ICE’ CO-STARS

MARRIES HER DASHING BLADE PAUL KLEIN IN A ROMANTIC CEREMONY IN THE HEART OF HERTFORDSHIRE

A sprinkling of frost and softly falling snow put the finishing touches to the “perfect wedding” of former Dancing on Ice professional Alex Murphy and YouTube star Paul Klein.

“It was the best day of our lives,” Alex says, as the couple share their special moment with hello! after tying the knot at Ashridge House in Hertfordshire in front of 200 guests including ice dancing stars Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Karen Barber.

“I’d dreamt of having a winter wedding and it was better than I could ever have imagined. I felt so excited to be surrounded by the people we love that I was jumping up and down the whole day.”

TEARS OF JOY

Smiling at his wife’s enthusiasm, Paul – one-half of YouTube duo Woody & Kleiny – adds: “It really was the most magical day. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but I kept crying tears of happiness.”

The newlyweds, who found love on reality show Celebrity Coach Trip in 2019 and became engaged after Paul’s surprise proposal at London’s Winter Wonderland attraction last December, kickstarted their wedding with a welcome party the night before.

Against the neo-gothic backdrop of Ashridge House, a traditional British hog roast and bouncy snow globe proved a big hit with US-born Alex’s family, who flew in from Boston.

“They thought it was like a fairy tale,” she says. “During his speech the next day, my dad said it felt like our own royal wedding.”

The historic venue was adorned with floral archways and cascading green foliage and scented white flowers. “It was like a gorgeous film set,” says Alex.

For her dress, the 34-year-old bride chose a snow-white bespoke gown by designer Kay Heeley of Angel Couture.

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Dancing On Ice star Alexandra Murphy engaged to YouTube star Paul Klein after meeting on Celebrity Coach Trip

• Jake Penkethman
• Published : 19:29, 12 Jan 2023
• Updated : 19:56, 12 Jan 2023
• Published : Invalid Date,

DANCING On Ice pro skater Alex Murphy was left in tears as YouTube star Paul Klein proposed to her surrounded by friends and family.

The ice dancer was left totally stunned as she realised that Paul was about to make the huge gesture.

Content creator Paul shared a clip to Instagram showing the engagement as he led Alex out of their car to an outside venue where he had planned the stunning proposal.

Huge light-up letter spelled out 'Marry Me' at the lavish display which also featured tons of heart-shaped red balloons.

Alex, dressed in a red coat, could no believe her eyes as she repeatedly put her hand to her face in shock.

Paul, famed as one half of the duo Woody and Kleiny , also wiped away a tear as he prepared to ask Alex the all important question.

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He dropped to one knee as Alex exclaimed: "Oh my god!"

The social media star then asked her: "Will you marry me?"

A visibly excited Alex quickly accepted as their family and friends rushed around them to hug them and congratulate the pair.

US native Alex was quick to phone her mum back home in the States to share the exciting news.

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The couple met when they both competed separately on the hit Channel 4 series Celebrity Coach Trip .

Paul took park alongside the other other half of his comedy double act whilst Alex was paired with fellow skating star Brianne Delcourt.

Alex began dating the YouTube millionaire shortly after their stint on the show.

The star captioned the engagement video with: "I blame @coachtripofficial for everything."

The duo's celebrity pals were quick to send their congratulations.

Diversity dancer Perri Kiely said: "Yess! Congratulations guys."

Current Dancing on Ice competitor Michelle Heaton added: "How amazing darling so happy for you both."

Love Island star Chris Hughes commented: "Love it team x."

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While Chris' best pal Kem Cetinay , who competed on the ITV series with Alex, joked: "Love you both, can't wait to break dance at the wedding."

• Dancing on Ice 2024

Celebrity Coach Trip 'set to return' in 2022

I'm A Celeb star Adele Roberts won the last series

Coach Trip is one of those guilty pleasure shows that you just can't help but watch when you see it's on; like a moth to a flame, we are. Whether it's the juiciness of seeing all the contestants pretend to be nice to each others' faces, or host Brendan's acerbic comments, there really is something for everyone.

So when E4 started up a celebrity version in 2010, viewers thought their dreams had come true - and were delighted when it continued into 2011 and 2012. Sadly, the celeb form of the show came to an end after that, but was revived in 2019 - not once, but twice!

Thankfully, there was a brand new series in 2020 featuring a brand new set of famous folk travelling across the world, with I'm A Celeb star Adele Roberts and her partner Kate Holderness taking the crown - and all of the shows are available to watch again on catch up!

Will there be a new series of Celebrity Coach Trip?

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but rumours have been circulating that a new series of Celebrity Coach Trip will air in September 2022 once "it’s likely the world will be a little more back to normal" - with host Brendan reportedly "ready and raring to go".

Celebrity Coach Trip 2020: Meet the cast

A lot of people have been asking who Cici is on Celebrity Coach Trip... Don't you recognise her?! She's one of the main waitresses on First Dates.

Antony Costa and Simon Webbe

Boyband singers Antony and Simon from Blue are taking part in the show! This isn't their first foray into reality TV, as Antony took part in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2005, and Simon also entered the jungle in 2008 as well as taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

Cici Coleman and Rustie Lee

Viewers will recognise Cici as everyone's favourite First Dates waitress, and she'll be touring the world with TV chef Rustie.

Adele Roberts and Kate Holderness

I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Adele Roberts will be joining the coach party along with her partner Kate.

Amy and Jonathan Tapper

Amy and Jonathan are Channel 4 royalty, having become household names during their stint on Gogglebox from 2013 to 2018. Amy has also since appeared in Celebs Go Dating.

Tommy Mallett and Georgia Kousoulou

Tommy and Georgia are best known for being on TOWIE since 2014, and will be looking forward to scoring their fellow couples on Coach Trip.

Woody and Kleiny

Internet pranksters Woody and Kleiny complete the line-up.

Stephen Bailey & Brennan Reece

Comedians Stephen Bailey and Brennan Reece were also late additions to the show, joining in episode 4.

Alex Murphy and Brianne Delcourt

Dancing On Ice professionals Alex Murphy and Brianne Delcourt joined the show as late additions in episode 7.

Mr Motivator and Tim Vincent

Mr Motivator originally joined with Louie Spence in episode 8 - but when he walked off the show, former Blue Peter star Tim Vincent stepped in.

Perri Shakes-Drayton and Kadeena Cox

Sports stars Perri and Kadeena were also late additions to the show in episode 9. This isn't Perri's first foray into reality TV, as she took part in Dancing On Ice in 2018.

Graziano Di Prima & Artem Chigvintse

Current Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima and former star Artem Chigvintse joined the line-up in episode 12 on Tuesday 21st January.

Tanya Bardsley and Ester Dee

Real Housewives of Cheshire stars Tanya and Ester joined the show in episode 13 airing Wednesday 22nd January.

Who won Celebrity Coach Trip 2020?

Big Brother and I'm A Celeb! star Adele Roberts won the show with her girlfriend Kate Holderness! The pair were in it from the start, and came top over the other couples. Here's how the leaderboard looked:

Winners: Adele & Kate

Second: Woody & Kleiny

Third: Brennan & Stephen

Tied fourth: Perri & Kadeena

Tied fourth: Artem & Graziano

Tied fourth: Ester & Tanya

Eliminated 23rd Jan: Mr. Motivator & Tim

Eliminated 22nd Jan: Alex & Brianne

Eliminated 16th Jan: Antony & Simon

Eliminated 14th Jan: CiCi & Rustie

Eliminated 14th Jan: Georgia & Tommy

Eliminated 13th Jan: Amy & Jonathan

Where did they go on Celebrity Coach Trip 2020?

The group started off in Saint-Tropez on the first day, and ended up in Barcelona for the final two weeks later. In between, they visited Marseille, Nimes, Perpignan and Lloret de Mar, among other places.

When is Celebrity Coach Trip on?

Celebrity Coach Trip started on Monday 6th January, and continued each weeknight at 7.30pm on E4 until the final on 24th January 2020.

You can re-watch all series of Celebrity Coach Trip on All 4 right now.

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ITV Dancing on Ice star recalls surviving stroke aged 24 ahead of walking down aisle at wedding

EXCLUSIVE: Dancing On Ice champion Alex Murphy opens up on surviving a stroke and fearing she’d never walk – or skate – again, ahead of her wedding to YouTube star Paul Klein

• 15:54, 29 OCT 2023

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When former Dancing On Ice champion Alex Murphy ties the knot before a star-studded congregation, including Torvill and Dean, this winter it won’t just be her dream day – but a reminder of how far she’s come.

For the pro-skater, who’s marrying YouTube star Paul Klein at Hertfordshire stately home Ashridge House, was just 24 years-old when she had a stroke.

The experience left her paralysed and fearing she’d never walk - let alone skate - again. 11 years on, she insists she won’t let it define her.

She famously won the UK version of Dancing On Ice with Joe Swash three years ago, despite living with chronic fatigue and admitting to gruelling days during training.

Today, speaking to raise awareness for World Stroke Day this Sunday (29th) Alex, admits: “There was a time I honestly thought I might not be alive to see this day at all.

“My dad had a stroke a year and a half after me too. We both have the hereditary heart condition, PFO. We have a dry sense of humour.

“He always jokes, ‘any day above ground’s a good day’ and, ‘Look. Not dead. Another year!”. But it’s that kind of attitude that has carried me through.

“So it’s amazing to think I’m actually getting married. I think that’s really a big thing for my parents too, when they think, ‘god, look, she’s actually walking down the aisle after everything’.”

Alex, who now mentors other young stroke survivors, is Ambassador for Style For Stroke - a charity set up in 2018 by her good friend Nick Ede, a PR and brand expert whose mother died from stroke.

Nick has support from droves of other celebrities too, including Game Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, who is also a stroke survivor at 37 and Naomie Harris OBE, who recently posted her support for his campaign on social media.

Like them, Alex’s hope is that speaking more openly about strokes will make people be aware of the symptoms and it will be less stigmatised among younger people.

Her own experience of stroke came, as it does for many, out of the blue.

She was working as a professional skater on board a cruise ship, making its way across the Atlantic Ocean. She’d been performing on board for ten months.

It was 6th November 2012 and she’d just taken her final bow, but skating off the ice she started to feel numb in her right foot and her right hand wasn’t working.

Before she knew it her face was drooping. A concerned cast mate summoned help and she was wheel-chaired to the ship’s doctor, still in the skates she couldn’t un-tie. After that she draws a blank.

She recalls: “When I had my stroke I lost all consciousness. I couldn't walk. I couldn't communicate with anyone for eight hours but I could see everything going on around me.

“It was like I was in a bubble and that was absolutely terrifying."

She was later transferred from the ship to hospital in Tenerife for further tests. Scans later showed she had a hole in her heart. She had lengthy surgery on 19th November - the same day she was called up to take place in Dancing On Ice in the Netherlands.

She says: “When I was in the neurological ward the second oldest person to me in hospital was 67. It just didn’t happen to people like me. I didn’t know anything about what a stroke was.

“A year and a half later my dad had a stroke and if my mum hadn’t acted so quickly, because she knew the signs having seen me go through it, he would have died. My mum most definitely saved my dad’s life. And he had the same condition.

“The scariest thing, after a stroke on the ice, was overcoming that fear of going back onto the ice. But my mum was adamant, saying, ‘no, you’re going to get back to it.’

“It was that sort of power of positivity that got me through. Having that great family support system around me meant that I didn't slide into an ugly, deep depression.

"Dancing On Ice actually saved me because I had to push through. By December 15th I was back on the ice. As my partner was learning to skate, I was re-learning myself. I had to rewire and re-learn everything from walking to driving too."

According to the Stroke Association, about 100,000 people have strokes every year in the UK. Strokes strike every five minutes. There are 1.3million stroke survivors in the UK.

Of those who survive, almost two-thirds experience disability, including muscle weakness or paralysis, visual problems and other effects such as bladder and bowel problems.

A third of survivors have some form of communication problem, such as difficulty speaking or understanding language.

At 35, Alex bears few physical reminders of her stroke. But there are long-term effects.

She says: “I have chronic fatigue and I have severe brain fog, so memorising things takes a lot longer. My biggest thing now is cognitive and I know I was so fortunate not to have more physical effects.

“I have tingling and numbness in my right side and teeny tiny things I don’t even classify as a symptom. But some days are just harder than others.”

It was in 2020 - the same year she went on to win Dancing On Ice with Joe Swash - that Alex met Paul, on the TV series Celebrity Coach Trip.

The YouTube millionaire, famed for being one half of social media duo Woody & Kleiny, is known to over 14.8million subscribers for his humorous set-ups.

But, for Alex, it was his supportive nature that made her sure he was the right person.

She says: “I don’t think he understands the gravity of how bad it [stroke] was but he’s so empathetic. If I say, ‘listen, it’s stroke brain today. I can’t focus,' he’ll say, ‘Okay. What do you need?’.”

Despite her stellar performances during Dancing On Ice, and passion for the job, few people behind-the-scenes knew just how much she was suffering.

She says: “I remember doing the Christmas show for Dancing On Ice with Michael Barrymore, before he was injured and Joe Swash and I were paired.

“I remember a very long filming day and the fatigue was so overwhelming and I had a migraine from the wig.

“And I remember lying on the floor with my feet up because the numbness was coming and I was having massive anxiety about trying to keep it together.

“I was so tired it was like a form of torture for me. I remember thinking, I’ve just got to get through the next hour.”

Although she’s born in Boston, she now lives with Paul, 31, and their beloved puppy, Tony, in Hertfordshire and is gearing up for their big day.

Among the congregation will be, among others, the Dancing On Ice physio Sharon Morrison, who was Alex’s rock during the hit ITV series.

Alex says: “Sharon understood it in a way that none of the production could.

“People don’t necessarily recognise that there is anything wrong because I can still look fine.

“So I think people can sometimes assume you’re just being a bit over-dramatic.

“But fortunately, Sharon would recognise it and she’d make sure I’d get some time out in the physio room, to be quiet and see how I was.

“When I look back on it now, that was a really tough time but I love the show."

She was cut from the DOI line-up after 2020 - something ITV suggested was down to a desire to keep switching-up cast members, but one that still baffles her.

"I loved that show and to this day I still don't really know why I was dropped," she says.

Now she is building up her social media presence. She also speaks daily to other young stroke survivors - helping some to make sense of their future.

She says: “Paul knows that if I’ve done a speech, or hosted an event, the next two days I might be completely mentally drained.

“He understands he can’t be in those same shoes as me, and he doesn’t try to be.

“But if I’ve had to stay in bed all day he’ll never make me feel guilty. He’ll never say, ‘what have you done today?’. Instead he’ll ask me if I’m alright. He’ll offer to cook dinner. He’s amazing like that and this is why I’m marrying him.

“And of course I worry. I worry that I might have another stroke. And, heaven forbid, but if we ever have kids of course I worry if our kid inherits the same hole in heart.”

Raising awareness of strokes is something Alex feels passionately about.

Style For Strokes’ colourful campaign this year - called Joy For Jumpers - is being supported by dozens more stars over the coming weeks, including Sharon Stone, Kylie Minogue and Laura Whitmore .

All profits from jumpers being sold will go to supporting those with brain injury, by raising money for SameYou, a charity founded by Emilia Clarke, and Interact Stroke Support, a charity dedicated to stroke recovery.

Alex hopes, more than anything, it will get people talking.

She says: “Nobody talks about strokes, which is really crazy. But I think people don’t want to talk because the majority of people who do have strokes are affected for the rest of their lives, and that’s really an uncomfortable conversation to have.

“People think it’s an older person’s disease or you’ve brought it on yourself because of your lifestyle. But that’s not always the case.

“I think the bottom like is, if we talked about strokes a little bit more, if people knew to look out for slurred speech or paralysis of the face, they could act more quickly. That small window of time might make all the difference.

She jokes: “I always say to other young stroke survivors, you can’t drop the ‘stroke bomb’ on a first date so I never said anything when I first went on Celebrity Coach Trip, even though someone else had gone through stroke and I could relate to everything she was saying.

“That came later, when Paul and I went out after the series and he asked about something he’d read on it.

“But I also want to talk about it - as someone fortunate to have come through it.

“I remember my mum said to me once, ‘if you don’t talk about this, you are a doing a dis-service to everyone who has had a stroke but can’t voice it’.”

The ‘Jumpers For Joy’ collection for Style for Stroke is available now at https://www.fundjumpers.com/product-category/joy-statement-jumpers/ all profits from sales go to the charity.

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Dancing On Ice pro Alex Murphy is 'dating YouTube millionaire Kleiny after they hit it off while filming Celebrity Coach Trip'

By Bryony Jewell For Mailonline

Published: 14:25 EDT, 23 January 2020 | Updated: 14:28 EDT, 23 January 2020

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Dancing On Ice professional Alex Murphy is thought to be dating YouTube millionaire Paul 'Kleiny' Klein after the pair hit it off on Celebrity Coach Trip.

The skater, 29, and prankster, who is part of duo Woody and Kleiny, had a spark on recent episodes of the Channel 4 series and were teased by castmates over their chemistry.

Since filming the show they are said to have shared several dates and he was seen supporting her at last week's Dancing On Ice show.

New romance? Alex Murphy, 29, is thought to be dating YouTube millionaire Paul 'Kleiny' Klein after the pair hit it off on Celebrity Coach Trip (she is pictured at Dancing On Ice on Sunday)

Alex told The Sun : 'Yes, Kleiny and I have had a few dates on land and off the bus. Who knows what will happen now we're not on wheels.'  

While an insider added: 'It was obvious the moment that Kleiny and Alex met that they were perfect for each other.'

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MailOnline has contacted Alex for comment. 

However although hitting it off, their budding romance on camera has been cut short after Kleiny's YouTube partner Paul Wood was hospitalised for appendicitis.

Couple: Kleiny showed his support during Alex at Sunday night's Dancing On Ice show

Alex and Kleiny met while filming for Celebrity Coach Trip which sees duos join a bus, hosted by Brendan Sheerin, and visit tourist spots around Europe.

Their castmates regularly teased them and mentioned the chemistry on the bus, with some even joking there could be a proposal. 

In one scene they were seen at a skate park, with Alex teaching him some moves and them holding hands as they span around the space. 

And in another scene from the show Kleiny said that if Alex was a drink she would be a 'milkshake, as they're tasty and make people happy'.

All together: The Celebrity Coach Trip cast all went along to Dancing On Ice to cheer Alex on

His cheeky comments left others on the coach laughing that the YouTuber - whose channel is thought to be worth £1.5m - was flirting as he made some smooth moves.

It comes after Alex was confirmed as filling in for professional Alexandra Schauman on Sunday's Dancing On Ice show after she injured herself in a 'freak fall'.

Joe Swash's pro partner, 39, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news and reveal that the former EastEnders star, 38, will be dancing with Alex instead.

Alexandra insisted that she will be supporting and cheering Joe on from the sidelines as she thanked the Dancing On Ice team for looking after her.

Getting close: In one episode of the show Alex taught Kleiny (in a red helmet) some moves

The professional skater shared a selfie of herself and Joe in the iconic ice tunnel where she penned an emotional statement.

Alexandra said: 'I'm absolutely heartbroken to have to announce that I'm not able to perform with @realjoeswashy this Sunday due to a injury that I endured after a freak fall. 

'I have missed skating with him terribly this week, he always puts such a big smile on my face. 

Injured: Alex is now stepping in for Joe Swash's partner Alexandra Schauman (pictured) after she announced that she won't be skating on Sunday's episode of Dancing On Ice after injuring herself in a 'freak fall'

Heartfelt: The injured professional skater shared a selfie of herself and Joe in the iconic ice tunnel where she penned an emotional statement

Supportive: Alex shared her support for Alexandra with: 'Love you to the moon sister! Will make you proud xx #teamjalex.'

'I wish him and @almurph18 who is stepping in all the best this upcoming Sunday, I will be there rooting for you and cheering you and everyone else on [applause emojis]. 

'I also want to give a huge shoutout to the whole DOI family and team who have given me so much love and support this week. ❤️⛸.' 

To which Alex sweetly replied: 'Love you to the moon sister! Will make you proud xx #teamjalex.'

Professional: Alex performed a sensational routine last week with skaters Hamish Gaman, Brendyn Hatfield, Matt Evers and Tom Naylor

• Dancing On Ice’s Alex Murphy is dating YouTube millionaire Kleiny – The Sun

Share or comment on this article: Dancing On Ice's Alex Murphy is 'dating YouTuber Kleiny after meeting on Celebrity Coach Trip'

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ITV Dancing on Ice bosses told former champ to take blame for exit after 'cut-throat' show axe

WATCH NOW: Alex Murphy and Joe Swash win Dancing on Ice in 2020

By Alex Davies

Published: 14/01/2024

Updated: 15/01/2024

Alex Murphy lifted the Dancing on Ice trophy alongside Joe Swash back in 2020

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Former Dancing on Ice winner and professional skater Alex Murphy has shed light on her sudden exit from the series back in 2020, just months after she lifted the trophy with Eastenders star Joe Swash.

Speaking exclusively to GB News, Murphy has recalled the "four-minute long" phone call she received from ITV bosses telling her that she wouldn't be needed for the following year - despite being the reigning professional champion.

At the time, Murphy took to Instagram to share the news with fans and admit she was "bewildered" by the decision.

And now ahead of Sunday's premiere for the 2024 series, Murphy has claimed bosses at ITV told her agent that she could take the fall and say news of her exit was her decision.

Murphy was given no reason by ITV for her axe at the time and to this day she told GB News she's still without an explanation.

"I'm a huge believer in positive everything. I'm a bit of a golden retriever, I'm happy all the time, and I choose not to be unhappy about it because the show gave me so much," Murphy began.

Alex Murphy has spoken out about her Dancing on Ice exit

The former DOI champ continued: "I'm married, I have a house, I have a dog all because I went on a TV show where I was an ice skater. And that led me to another TV show where I met my husband. That's how I look at it.

"To this day, I still don't know why they decided to let me go. I was genuinely heartbroken (but) I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me because you can only skate for so long.

"My goals are a lot bigger, I don't want to just be an ice skater and be on the show for 20 years, I want to move forward and challenge myself and be on to the next thing and I don't think that there was much more that I could have done.

"Once you've won, you've ticked that off the list. (But) it was really hard for me, I'll be completely honest."

Murphy admitted she would never want to "bash" Dancing on Ice as the show opened doors for her she never thought possible, although was still gutted after she "gave up my entire life" to commit to the process.

"I was a bit heartbroken because one; I had worked so hard that year, my life was dedicated to it, and I had given up so much for the show," she explained.

"Fortunately, I have the best husband in the world and he understood it but I was absolutely heartbroken because I had no life, I gave my entire life to that show for three years.

"And I just was like, 'What do you mean you don't want me back? Why? Why? Joe Swash was in last place, you stuck him with me and I made him win!'

"I was so heartbroken about it but I do look back on it now and I think it was the best thing and I think that the show has to change. The show has to evolve. They need new people, they need to diversify with their types of skaters.

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Alex Murphy and Joe Swash celebrate winning DOI with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK

"Maybe they wanted someone with a more classical trained (background), I don't know, maybe they wanted someone smaller."

Recalling the exact moment she discovered she'd been axed, Murphy said: "I did want a reason. As skaters, we just contract ourselves, we don't have representation, we don't have agencies. We're not like the Strictly pros where like you have an agent and then you go on Strictly.

"So I didn't know what I was doing. But when they did let me go, fortunately, at that time, I had finished Coach Trip the year before and I had been looking into representation and got an agent. And so I said (to the agent) they've let me go.

"They [ITV] just called me and it was a four-minute phone call, they said, 'Thank you. You were amazing, what a great year, but we're gonna rest you from the cast'. And I was like, 'What does that mean?' I didn't understand."

Murphy then shed light on the call her agent had with ITV in which she claims she was told she could take the blame and act as if her departure was her decision.

"I did call my agent and they said (to ITV), 'Would you please tell me what happened?' And they were like, 'Nope, we love Alex, she's great...'

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ALEX MURPHY KLEIN💜 (@almurph18)

"'If she wants, she can say she's leaving'," Murphy said. "And I was like, no. I would never leave the show. I wanted to come back. I've always wanted to come back. I loved that show. It was a great show, but I didn't want to say that I was leaving."

Murphy never did take the fall for her exit and said outright in her farewell statement that the decision came as a "huge shock" which left her "bewildered, lost and devastated".

The brutal axe even left Murphy packing in showbiz for good although she's had a change of heart since as she admitted: "I'm ready to get back on TV.

"I took a long time after the show, it is extremely hard to want to do any of that again - you just feel like I'm done with TV, I'm never going back. Especially as an athlete, you're like, 'Why did I even subject myself to that?'

"It's cut-throat and it's not fair. And as an athlete, the best athlete wins, and as a TV person, you can't explain why some people get TV spots and some people don't."

Murphy has gone on to build up a huge social media following since leaving the show and is hopeful of a return to screens soon - with Strictly Come Dancing or I'm A Celeb high on the pro skater's wish list.

GB News has contacted ITV for comment.

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