TOWIE’s Dan Edgar is currently showing off his recently acquired skating skills in Dancing On Ice, alongside pro partner Vanessa James, and admits it’s been a “rollercoaster”. The reality star’s colourful love life, including a messy split from Amber Turner in 2023 after six years and, most recently, his on-off relationship with another fellow castmate, Ella Rae Wise, has had fans gripped for years.
Here, the 34-year-old opens up exclusively to OK! about what’s really going on between him and Ella, 24, gives his verdict on best pal James Argent ’s relationship with Swedish beauty Nicoline Artursson – and reveals the unlikely friendship he’s struck up on Dancing On Ice…
Hey, Dan! You recently got back with Ella, how’s it going?
We seem to gravitate towards each other. We were on and off last year, then filmed the TOWIE Christmas special and ended up enjoying each other’s company again. We thought, “Why not give it another go?” I’ve got this habit of over-analysing everything, but I just thought, “Go for it.”
Are you taking things slowly, or could this progress towards marriage and babies?!
It’s a bit early days for all that. We were going round in circles last year – we wouldn’t last longer than a series of TOWIE. This is the longest we’ve been on track. I just want to see where that leads. But I do think a lot of Ella. Is it tough having your love life played out on screen? It’s been 10 years. I understand that I signed up to a TV show where a lot of my life’s on show. It’s just frustrating that people see small glimpses and judge me on that. I’m lucky though, I’ve never got too much hate.
Does your mum still speak to all of your exes?
Yes, since school! It’s just what my mum does, she reaches out occasionally. It doesn’t mean I have any contact with them. I have no issue, really. You’re doing brilliantly on Dancing On Ice. How’s it been? A rollercoaster! But I’m enjoying it. It’s stressful, learning a new routine in five days. I was never a performer and my dance moves are terrible, so it’s a challenge learning how to loosen those hips and skate at the same time.
What’s been a highlight?
Performing to Blue Moon by Sinatra, for my nan, Rose. She was in the studio – so proud – and the routine went so well. To recreate the love story between my nan and grandad was special. Mum and Dad have been separated since I was eight, although they’ve always got on. They’ve been coming every Sunday with their partners and they’re so excited. The show’s brought the whole family together.
Have there been any hairy moments?
I’ve had lots of bumps and bruises. It’s intense and it’s gruelling on your body. But learning the headbanger was the scariest thing. I felt like Vanessa’s life was in my hands. I practised for a day with a weighted bag, the next day I was throwing Vanessa around in a circle, the following day bouncing her up and down. It was amazing to see it working.
What’s Vanessa like?
Brilliant – trusting and patient. She literally films every two-hour training session on an iPad, gets home, watches it back and sends me an edited-down video with a voiceover of her corrections. She’s a great athlete and teacher, and our personalities are quite similar. We like a laugh but we know when to knuckle down – and we’re both very competitive.
Which fellow contestants do you get on best with?
They’re a lovely group, and we’re from such different walks of life. I get on really well with Michaela Strachan and Steve Redgrave – I’m gutted he’s gone. Michaela’s talking to me about Winterwatch, and I’m explaining to her about how I get drinks thrown over me in The Sugar Hut.
There’s often talk of a Dancing On Ice curse – can you see why relationships form on the show?
I can. You spend a lot of time together, but it depends on the vibe of the couple you’re in. Me and Vanessa have developed a brilliant friendship. But I can see how it happens in certain situations. This year, it just feels like everyone’s good friends.
You said before the show that you wouldn’t have the backing of all the TOWIE stars…
Lots of the TOWIE lot have been down – the boys and Ella and Freddie [Bentley], but some naturally wouldn’t… I don’t think Amber [Turner, his ex] and her friends think bad of me. If Amber was on a big show, I don’t think Diags would be there – though they get on fine, now.
Is it strange to see your ex Kate Ferdinand in the audience, supporting Rio’s brother Anton?
No, that relationship feels like a lifetime ago. Anton’s a lovely guy and we get on well. I haven’t bumped into Kate yet, but if I did, it would be cool.
You and Arg are besties. Has he been a big support?
He has, but I’m still waiting for him to come and see me! He’s in Spain a lot – he’s moving out there, so he’s back and forth sorting stuff out. He’s promised he will come, so we’ll see.
You must be happy for him now he’s with Nicoline…
She’s lovely. I’m very happy for him. It’s something he’s wanted for a long time. We’re both at the age where you feel the pressure of everyone around you settling down. She’s very similar to him – they’re so alike it’s mad!
TOWIE is back soon. What can we expect?
I’ve been skating, so I’m out of the loop! But a lot’s been going down in Bali, it always does when that lot gets together. It’s been nice to be away from the drama, for a change. Now you’ve ticked off Dancing On Ice, is anything else on your bucket list? This show’s shown a different side of me, I’ve grown as a person. I’d be up for anything that challenges me.
