Nadia Sawalha has admitted that her daughters think her ‘Dancing On Ice’ professional partner is her new boyfriend.

The former Eastenders star – who has two daughters, Maddie, seven, and Kiki, three, with husband Mark Adderley – explained the confused youngsters are convinced her ice skating partner Mark Hanretty is soon to become their new stepdad.

She joked: “Kiki keeps asking me if my skating partner Mark is my boyfriend. I have to say, ‘No, darling, Daddy is my boyfriend’, and she’s saying, ‘No, you’ve got a new boyfriend, Mummy’.

“And of course they’re both called Mark, which is completely confusing for her!”

The 46 year old star – who lost more than three stone before signing up to the ITV1 show – also admitted she is jealous of ‘Hollyoaks’ actress Jennifer Metcalf’s moves on the ice.

She added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Jennifer’s really good. Oh my God, she’s doing some massive lifts up in the air already.

“I wish I was Jennifer Metcalfe! Can I please be her? She’s gorgeous.”