Joe Swash's 'Dancing On Ice' training has left him "right on the edge".
Joe Swash
The former 'EastEnders' actor - who will compete in the final of the skating show with partner Alex Murphy on Sunday (08.03.20) evening - admitted the gruelling practice schedule has pushed him to his limits and he's feeling "quite emotional".
He told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "For the past couple of weeks I've been right on the edge physically, mentally and emotionally. It's such a tough show and the hours are so long.
"It's had me in a right mess. I have 10-minute periods where I have a little breakdown. There have been tears. I've had ups and downs.
"It doesn't take a lot to wobble me at the moment. I feel so tired, I've just felt quite emotional. You can lose
perspective."
Joe admitted the programme has "taken over" his life and he's barely seen partner Stacey Solomon, or their baby son Rex, nine months.
He said: "Me and Stacey are like ships in the night. We are in the same business so we can support each other. But this show is a long process.
"It really has taken over. I didn't realise how much it would take over my life.
"It's 10 hours a day, seven days a week. I had a baby and then I just haven't seen him. I see more of him on Instagram than I do in real life at the moment.
"Thankfully, he recognises me on FaceTime. But I still feel guilty as a dad. When I'm not at home Stacey is on her own with the kids. Her day is completely packed as well."
The 38-year-old actor - who also has son Harry, 12, from a previous relationship - is planning to celebrate in style whether he wins or loses the show and has already asked Stacey to take their brood, including her boys Zachary, 11, and seven-year-old Leighton, home straight after the show so he can have a drink and relax.
He said: "I've told Stacey after the final is finished she is going to take the kids home, and then I don't want them to see me after that because I'll be having a drink and it's going to be bad.
"I've not had a drink for four months, so I'm going to be like a drunk 17 year old."
Joe faces competition to win the show from Perri Kiely and Libby Clegg and their professional partners.
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