December 17, 2009
Candace Cameron Bure, who plays Summer on the ABC Family gymnastics show Make It or Break It, talked to the media this week about the upcoming season of MIOBI. Here's what she had to say:

What is it about this show that you feel continues to draw in viewers?

I think it's a well-written show, and the storylines themselves -- because there's so much drama, there's a lot of conflict -- and having it based around gymnastics, something that hasn't been on TV yet.

I think is quite interesting for the viewers. I know we have so many fans who are gymnasts or have been in the gymnastic world and they're so excited and pleased that there's a show representing some of the things that they've gone through their whole lives.

And, also, being a teen drama and discussing the life of what teens go through and the hardships and drama itself -- that's something that hooks you and keeps you wanting to come back for more, to see what happens.

Is there anything you can clue us in to about what we should expect [in season two of MIOBI]?

I am so nervous about giving too much away; I'm fighting to say anything. There are some characters that are brought back that we've seen before. There are some brand-new characters that you'll be introduced to. This season is following the wave of Kaylie having placed first at nationals and then following the story of Payson, who is badly, badly injured and has been given a diagnosis to never compete again.

There's fun, exciting travel on the show that you'll see with the girls who are competing and, what's brilliant that they're doing, is really intertwining different relationships together.

Some new characters will unexpectedly come together and I think… there, that's it; that's all I'm telling you.

Have there been any funny or embarrassing moments on the set?

We're always having fun. I think that we hold such a fast pace that it doesn't allow us [time] for as many jokes as we would like, but there have been a couple times on the set with Peri Gilpin and Neal, who plays Sasha. We had a couple of laughing moments where we absolutely can't stop laughing and it's been "Take Five", "Take Six", "Take Seven", because we go into that hysterical mode and can't pull it together. We've had some good times.

Have you noticed any changes in your day-to-day life since the show premiered?

I'm still recognized from Full House; I think I will be my entire [life] and that's still where the majority of my fans are from. It is pretty fun for me when some of the younger kids come up to me say, "Aren't you that lady from Make It or Break It?" That tickles me to death.

I love having new fans that know me from this show -- that's always a fun thing, but I'm forever grateful and love my Full House fans. I guess I haven't seen a huge, dramatic change in fans from being on the show. I think I've got a great group of core fans that have just followed me for a long time; it's quite flattering and I'm appreciative of them all.

Do you [still] keep in touch with the [Full House] cast?

Absolutely. I'm very close with Bob Saget and Dave Coulier. I just saw John Stamos last weekend. My family and I were in New York and we went and saw him in Bye, Bye Birdie on Broadway. I saw Andrea Barber just two nights ago. She came over to my house for a little Christmas party so we do keep in touch. The rest of the guys we try to see when we can. We're close friends.

Have you approached any of your Full House co-stars or anyone from the gymnastics world about guest starring in this upcoming season?

No, I haven't; I haven't even thought about it. I don't know any professional gymnasts personally. I'm excited when a few of them have come to visit the set. They're always looking for some guest appearances from gymnasts. We'll see who pops up on the show. As far as the Full House cast members, I haven't thought about it. I think that's something for the producers and the writers to decide. I don't know that I'd have too much say in that.

Were you involved with gymnastics when you were young?

I took gymnastics as a kid when I was probably four or five years old, maybe for a year and that was about it. My dad was a gymnast through high school, though, so I've always enjoyed the sport. It's my favorite sport during the Summer Olympics; it always has been. Let's just say I can't really do the splits or anything; I'm not that flexible. I guess I wasn't too good at it.

[When watching the Olympics], do you root for the U.S. and [your husband] Valeri, [a former Russian Olympic hockey player], roots for Russia, or how does that work?

I'm an American and will root for everything American except when it comes to hockey. I'm not a traitor, but my husband did play in two Olympic games and of course I was rooting for Russia when he played in those games. I have a silver and a bronze medal sitting in my home that he took home. I'm incredibly proud of him and those medals. Even though he's not playing in the Olympics again, my heart's going to be with Russia because that's his team and he won those medals with Russia.

Make It or Break It to air season two starting January 4