Dancing on Ice - Samantha Mumba´s Jacko pal

24 January 2008 - Samantha Mumba thinks her new friend Michael Jackson is "amazing".

The 'Dancing On Ice' star - who has met the eccentric pop superstar on a handful of occasions since relocating to Los Angeles - was always desperate to meet her childhood hero, and insists he has more than lived up to her expectations.

Samantha told Britain's new! magazine: "It's been amazing to get to know Michael. He was a childhood hero of mine.

"Getting the chance to speak to him was one of those things you just never expect to happen, even though I live in Los Angeles now.

"I've seen him a few times and he's amazing. I can't speak highly enough of him."

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old singer revealed her police officer boyfriend Torray Scales loves the "sparkly" costumes she wears for the ITV skating contest.

She said: "Torray loves the show. He likes seeing me in my sparkly outfits and thinks they're really sexy, so he'll be hoping I stay in a while so I can wear some more."

The Irish pop star admits the chance to wear fancy dresses was one of her reasons for taking part.

She said: "I was a fan of the show anyway and I love learning new things. Also, I just think the costumes are incredible. I couldn't say 'no'."

Samantha is also pleased with professional skating partner Pavel Aubrecht.

She said: "He really is the best partner I could hope to have. He's big and strong and fantastic!"

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