By Stuart Hughes BBC News Mills has impressed the judgesShe's wowing audiences in the US version of Strictly Come Dancing and confounding her critics, but is Heather Mills an inspiration or irritation for other amputees?
By Stuart Hughes BBC News
Mills has impressed the judgesShe's wowing audiences in the US version of Strictly Come Dancing and confounding her critics, but is Heather Mills an inspiration or irritation for other amputees?
The spectacle of Heather Mills, amputee, activist and estranged wife of Sir Paul McCartney, shaking a (prosthetic) leg on the US television show Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be the American TV hit of the spring.
The spectacle of Heather Mills, amputee, activist and estranged wife of Sir Paul McCartney, shaking a (prosthetic) leg on the US television show Dancing with the Stars is shaping up to be the American TV hit of the spring.
Nearly 22 million Americans tuned in to watch Mills make her dance-floor debut.
Nearly 22 million Americans tuned in to watch Mills make her dance-floor debut.
Dressed in a flowing sequinned pink and yellow dress with pink elbow-length gloves, she wowed judge Bruno Tonioli with her foxtrot.
Dressed in a flowing sequinned pink and yellow dress with pink elbow-length gloves, she wowed judge Bruno Tonioli with her foxtrot.
"You've got more guts than Rambo," he gushed.
"You've got more guts than Rambo," he gushed.
Ironically, and perhaps not coincidentally, it was her upper rather than her lower body movements that were singled out by the judges as being wooden.
Ironically, and perhaps not coincidentally, it was her upper rather than her lower body movements that were singled out by the judges as being wooden.
I should probably admit here to having something of a personal interest in how well Mills fares in the contest. Like her, I am also a below-knee amputee - the result of a landmine explosion in Iraq in 2003.
I should probably admit here to having something of a personal interest in how well Mills fares in the contest. Like her, I am also a below-knee amputee - the result of a landmine explosion in Iraq in 2003.
'Tarnished image'
'Tarnished image'
Even when I had two legs I was no dancer, so the idea of fox-trotting, tangoing or cha-cha-cha-ing in front of an audience of millions is unthinkable to me.
Even when I had two legs I was no dancer, so the idea of fox-trotting, tangoing or cha-cha-cha-ing in front of an audience of millions is unthinkable to me.
And aside from the issue of whether she is merely trying to rebuild her tarnished image after her bruising separation from Sir Paul McCartney, I admire her determination to take on the bipeds at their own game.
And aside from the issue of whether she is merely trying to rebuild her tarnished image after her bruising separation from Sir Paul McCartney, I admire her determination to take on the bipeds at their own game.
Mills has battled for public support over her divorceOne gambling website is taking bets on whether Mills' leg will fall off during the series, pointing out her prosthesis "must fall off, not be purposely taken off, during a dance routine for all Yes wagers to be graded a win". If you want a betting tip from me, put a tenner on her prosthesis staying firmly attached.
Mills has battled for public support over her divorceOne gambling website is taking bets on whether Mills' leg will fall off during the series, pointing out her prosthesis "must fall off, not be purposely taken off, during a dance routine for all Yes wagers to be graded a win". If you want a betting tip from me, put a tenner on her prosthesis staying firmly attached.
The current generation of prostheses are secured with tightly-fitting silicone liners fitted with pins or suction seals, which roll onto the skin like a sock. The chances of Heather's flying into the audience during a high kick are precisely zero.
The current generation of prostheses are secured with tightly-fitting silicone liners fitted with pins or suction seals, which roll onto the skin like a sock. The chances of Heather's flying into the audience during a high kick are precisely zero.
Mills told TV viewers she hoped her appearance would inspire others with a disability. "A little kid sitting there who's just lost a limb - I hope they're gonna go, 'oh, I can,'" she said.
Mills told TV viewers she hoped her appearance would inspire others with a disability. "A little kid sitting there who's just lost a limb - I hope they're gonna go, 'oh, I can,'" she said.
Heather Mills' appearance on Dancing with the Stars is dividing US public opinion. The internet message board linked to the series is abuzz as her fans and detractors trade insults.
Heather Mills' appearance on Dancing with the Stars is dividing US public opinion. The internet message board linked to the series is abuzz as her fans and detractors trade insults.
'Ballsy'
'Ballsy'
But is a dancing amputee on primetime television a genuine attempt to change attitudes - or just a TV freak show designed to boost ratings? Fellow amputees can't agree.
But is a dancing amputee on primetime television a genuine attempt to change attitudes - or just a TV freak show designed to boost ratings? Fellow amputees can't agree.
"My personal experience of Heather is of a kind and caring, ballsy, confident, perhaps sometimes outspoken lady, but her heart is in the right place," says Kiera Roche from the Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity which helps people who have lost limbs.
"My personal experience of Heather is of a kind and caring, ballsy, confident, perhaps sometimes outspoken lady, but her heart is in the right place," says Kiera Roche from the Douglas Bader Foundation, a charity which helps people who have lost limbs.
"Heather does a lot of good behind closed doors. I feel that her passionate and caring personality doesn't allow her to ignore the negative things that are said and written about her.
"Heather does a lot of good behind closed doors. I feel that her passionate and caring personality doesn't allow her to ignore the negative things that are said and written about her.
Mills campaigns for animal rights"I actually feel sorry for Heather because I genuinely believe that whatever she does she is going to receive negative publicity."
Mills campaigns for animal rights"I actually feel sorry for Heather because I genuinely believe that whatever she does she is going to receive negative publicity."
Dan Sheret, an amputee and endurance cyclist from Wilmington, North Carolina, also believes Mills deserves credit.
Dan Sheret, an amputee and endurance cyclist from Wilmington, North Carolina, also believes Mills deserves credit.
"That she can do what she does and do it with grace and style is an inspiration to all amputees," he told me. "I don't care about her past. I just hope she'll continue helping others who are dealing with an amputation."
"That she can do what she does and do it with grace and style is an inspiration to all amputees," he told me. "I don't care about her past. I just hope she'll continue helping others who are dealing with an amputation."
But others are less enthusiastic that Mills has propelled amputees into the media spotlight.
But others are less enthusiastic that Mills has propelled amputees into the media spotlight.
"The problem is most people dislike Heather Mills - she almost gives amputees a bad name," says Margaret Tyson, who set up an amputee rehabilitation project in Manchester.
"The problem is most people dislike Heather Mills - she almost gives amputees a bad name," says Margaret Tyson, who set up an amputee rehabilitation project in Manchester.
"I think she's a publicity seeker out for her own ends. It's a pity it isn't someone with less of a reputation than Heather on the programme."
"I think she's a publicity seeker out for her own ends. It's a pity it isn't someone with less of a reputation than Heather on the programme."
No lifestyle choice
No lifestyle choice
"My feelings towards Heather Mills are mixed," says Steve Middleton, an above knee amputee from Vancouver Island in Canada.
"My feelings towards Heather Mills are mixed," says Steve Middleton, an above knee amputee from Vancouver Island in Canada.
"I'm expecting friends and acquaintances to say to me now 'I saw Heather Mills dancing, why can't you?' I'm a very, very active amputee so that does bother me a little. Pride gets in the way.
"I'm expecting friends and acquaintances to say to me now 'I saw Heather Mills dancing, why can't you?' I'm a very, very active amputee so that does bother me a little. Pride gets in the way.
"I am sure none of the judges understand the differences between above knee and below knee amputees and what each is capable of."
"I am sure none of the judges understand the differences between above knee and below knee amputees and what each is capable of."
While some may seek to portray Heather Mills as a symbol or role model for a whole community, there is no more unanimity of opinion about her among amputees than there would be among arthritics or asthmatics.
While some may seek to portray Heather Mills as a symbol or role model for a whole community, there is no more unanimity of opinion about her among amputees than there would be among arthritics or asthmatics.
To us, missing one or more limbs is an unavoidable annoyance and not a lifestyle choice. Love her or hate her, the only person Heather Mills can ultimately represent is herself.
To us, missing one or more limbs is an unavoidable annoyance and not a lifestyle choice. Love her or hate her, the only person Heather Mills can ultimately represent is herself.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
Add your comments on this story, using the form below.
As a double below knee amputee, people have in the past compared me to other amputees, normally seen on TV or in the media, and asked why I cannot run like them, walk as far as them etc. I think Heather Mills does remarkably well but her prosthetic limb is not typical of those provided via the NHS and she probably has various limbs for different occasions. Myself, I walk reasonably well, coach a successful local junior football team and hold a private pilot's licence. So I think I do OK.Wayne, Grimsby
I'm a through knee amputee, losing my left leg in a road accident in Zimbabwe in 1988. The prosthetic limb I use is nowhere near as hi-tech as her leg, and neither is it held on with straps. I have danced while wearing the prosthesis, and it has never fallen off. I personally don't like to draw attention to my disability - in fact the greatest compliment I can receive is when someone doesn't realise I am an amputee. In fact I can do almost everything I could do before my amputation. I personally feel Heather Mills uses her amputation for a lot of publicity. She seems to enjoy drawing attention to her disability, and I'm sure I'll be taken to task for this, but is the publicity for herself or her good causes? She certainly isn't my role model.Sarah Todd, Izmir, Turkey
My husband, a below knee amputee, would love to be able to dance - but most of his day is spent in constant pain and just walking a small distance can cause him pain. The last thing he needs is someone saying "I saw Heather Mills on TV last night doing a high kick why can't you?" Every amputee's needs are different and I wish Heather would promote that more.Kay Wakefield, Chippenham
We just can't avoid it, can we? Despite all the PC talk and the disability discrimination legislation, here's another story that defines a person in terms of a disability. Heather is first an amputee, then an activist, then someone's wife. It's just the same as racism really. First see the colour, then see the person.Bruce Hogg, Edinburgh, Scotland
At last, a disabled person who isn't automatically granted sainthood just for getting up each the morning and getting on with life. Shame the judges are so patronising, but at least the rest of us can see her as a person rather than a disability.David, Ely
A lady loses a limb and still has the strength and courage to move on - even to get up and dance in front of millions of viewers. Yet there are people who are uncomfortable with this. Heather Mills has just gone up a notch in my estimation, and she is a true inspiration for a lot of people: those with AND without two full legs! Rock on, Heather.Kwemah Addey, NJ, US
My brother lost his left leg above the knee in 1979 due to a bone cancer. Not only he regained completely his walking skills with a prosthesis, but he was driving his Vespa (in Italy), then the car and he participated in a racing car school driving with the ex-F1 pilot Clay Regazzoni. He then turned his attention to skiing and became a good skier with the so-called outriggers, a mix between ski poles and small skies to keep balanced. He was also a break-dancer at the time this style came in fashion. Some people with an handicap can overcome them with their desire to feel "normal".Massimo Zuban, Holtsville, NY, US
I think anyone who dances on these shows is admirable. To do it with one leg, is not, I think, more special, as she has the latest legs which are well fitting and is obviously a talented lady in the first place. The amputee part, while headline catching, is largely irrelevant - are we just ghoulishly watching her because of her prosthesis? My dad learned to walk again in his 60s after a lower leg amputation, and his achievements in regaining his mobility and lifestyle are no less spectacular than those of a high profile amputee.Mitchy, Scotland
Heather Mills is simply marvellous and puts us to shame when people don't like her simply because she split up with Paul McCartney. She is inspirational, hard working and a gutsy lady who is not afraid to speak her mind. Hopefully, she will receive the true recognition she deserves from everyone regarding her charity work.Tricia Barratt, Manchester
Despite Heather's past, I am impressed and it's a distinction to her. This will obviously give hope to the other amputees. When things like this happens to one's life, there is always no hope for tomorrow and for her to perform in a such competition, it's a great courage. We need such people in our society they always give a meaning to life again. Am proud of her. Maureen Karen Makoko, Lilongwe, Malawi
If Heather Mills' dancing gives inspiration to other amputees then that is a good thing, but all the entrants to Dancing with the Stars should be judged equally and fairly on their ability, regardless of their physical appearance, personality or popularity. It has been said that Heather Mills gives amputees a bad name; I would say that that will only be the opinion of stupid people who are going to view all amputees on their little knowledge of one famous person. JMB, London
So it turns out she can dance better then most able-bodied people, and was shown doing some sort of back flip. Kinda cool, but should she still have a disabled sticker on her car?Daniel, London
