Dancing on Ice 2023: Carley Stenson says she’s nervous to be judged by friend Oti Mabuse as fans claim ‘bias’

Carley Stenson has raised bias concerns from Dancing on Ice fans after it was discovered that she is friends with judge Oti Mabuse.

The Hollyoaks actress, 40, from Wigan, revealed she was “nervous and excited” to be judged by friend Oti Mabuse as she made her skating debut.

Oti Mabuse, 32, was previously paired with Carley’s husband Danny Mac on the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing, with the pair coming second.

Danny Mac, 34, appeared alongside his wife Carley in Hollyoaks between 2011 to 2015, with the couple tying the knot in 2017.

Carley Stenson is most known for playing Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks since 1995 and has also appeared on Doctors.

Speaking ahead of her first Dancing on Ice skate, Carley shared how her friend Oti Mabuse had insisted she will not be “holding back” on her judging because of their friendship.

Carley told MailOnline: “I’m really nervous and excited about what Oti is going to say because obviously she danced with Danny.

“She’s fierce, she’s a fierce friend and she’s already said to me, ‘I’m not gonna hold back Carls, just because we’re friends!’”

Oti Mabuse sparked “bias” rumours amongst Dancing on Ice fans after she revealed their relationship on Sunday night’s (22 January) programme.

Carley and Mark made their skating debut as they performed to Jessie Ware’s Say You Love Me.

The pair performed a high quality routine, with the couple scoring a series high score with 32 out of 40 from the judges, with glowing feedback.

Before the figure skating routine, Carley shared that her husband Danny had been “on another dancing show”, with fans rapidly piecing together the puzzle.

Not hiding their friendship, Oti revealed that she already knew Carley when giving the actress and her skating partner Mark Hanretty.

Oti said: "It was so smooth, it was so beautiful; it was so nice to see you emote your skills on ice,

"Dancing with Danny, I know what it’s been like for you, to be there to support someone for three months.

"I am so, so happy that both Danny and I now get to stand here and watch you shine."

Carley revealed that Danny has become competitive with her following his Strictly appearance and often jokes that she needs to remember he was a “runner-up” when he competed on Strictly.

The actress added that they will be equal if she makes it to the final of Dancing on Ice.

Dancing on Ice is on ITV every Sunday night from 6:30pm.

If you miss the show it can be caught again on the ITVX online catch-up service.