BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)
The final twelve celebrities had been chosen and now the competition proper of Dancing on Ice began. The judges were back in the game with their scores counting towards the overall result, the return of half marks (still going up to 10.0) and now having complete control in the skate-off.
Here is a look at how the twelve stars coped last Sunday.
Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby
Skated to: Minnie the Moocher
Taking advice on what Jason Gardiner had said in his qualifying heat, Ice attempted to prove he can adapt to slow-paced routines. This performance though wasn’t captivating enough, although he at least managed not to make any silly errors.
Scores: Jason 5.0 Robin 6.0 Emma 5.0 TOTAL: 16.0 (5th)
Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini
Skated to: The Climb
Chloe made a huge impression in her first performance so it was going to be a bit of a challenge to keep it up. Overcome with concern over having been given the difficult ‘Frog Lift’ move to execute, bearing in mind this stunt eliminated singer Sinitta last year on Week 1, this certainly wasn’t going to be easy. However, she held her nerve and not only pulled it off but took it to new heights. She is one to watch out for.
Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5 TOTAL: 19.0 (4th)
Denise Welch & Matt Evers
Skated to: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
There did seem to be a bit of confusion when Denise skated out without her partner but it was all part of an elaborate plan as Matt emerged out from a row of back-up skaters. That was sadly as good as it got as the routine itself showed no progress made from her first performance.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 3.0 Emma 3.0 TOTAL: 9.0 (11th)
Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann
Skated to: Feel
Dominic is already displaying two sides to his performances. After his qualifier last week was criticised for not having much content, the former cricketer made sure this was the case on Sunday. The reference to having two sides are that although it’s not up to the standard, he really is trying and that should still give him loads of confidence.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0 TOTAL: 11.5 (8th)
Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak
Skated to: All the Lovers
The first qualifying heat proved that being top of the judges’ leaderboard doesn’t necessarily save you from the skate-off and Laura proved this theory. Sunday night was the aim to win huge support from the public and so her routine was packed full of new elements of which she passed with flying colours. Laura will probably be someone who will split support; you will love her or hate her.
Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 6.5 Emma 7.0 TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)
Steven Arnold & Nina Ulanova
Skated to: Rhythm of the Night
Steven is fast becoming the new Todd Carty, a man who can’t skate if his life depended on it yet is adored by the public for his efforts. To give benefit to the doubt, some improvement was made but very little. Experts will scorn that he is not taking it seriously and that he just doing it for the moral support.
Scores: Jason 2.0 Robin 2.5 Emma 2.5 TOTAL: 7.0 (12th)
Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier
Skated to: I Want You Back
After making a solid start in qualifying, Jeff’s second performance was very timid. He made several key mistakes, lost marks and received plenty of criticism. Whilst his hit back at Jason Gardiner was something of a highlight, it seemed to spark controversy from everyone else.
Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0 TOTAL: 11.0 (9th)
Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney
Skated to: The Way You Look Tonight
Having proved some doubters wrong last time in proving he was able to skate, Comedy Dave went out this week to now prove he can make the odd improvement now and again. Unfortunately, the build-up promised in this performance didn’t materialise but once again, praise has to go to him for trying.
Scores: Jason 2.5 Robin 3.5 Emma 3.5 TOTAL: 9.5 (10th)
Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon
Skated to: California Gurls
The competition had got off to a horrible start for Jennifer, having made it through by the skin of her teeth in the qualifier and was then dealt a further blow when a horrible fall in final rehearsal just hours before the live show resulted in her leg thigh being cut open. After being patched up and given the all clear to skate, she went out there and delivered a masterful performance.
Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.5 TOTAL: 19.5 (Joint 2nd)
Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt
Skated to: Stop and Stare
In recent years, the celebrity that gets the highest marks in their first performance usually goes on to win. With that theory in mind, the omens are certainly looking good for Sam. This routine really did justify that fact and finished up streets ahead of the rest on the leaderboard. This could well and truly turn into ‘The Sam Attwater Show’ at this rate.
Scores: Jason 8.0 Robin 8.5 Emma 8.5 TOTAL: 25.0 (1st)
Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins
Skated to: I’m Into Something Good
It was certainly a huge baptism of fire for Johnson, launching himself into the public spotlight two weeks ago and to give credit, it was a good performance. He kept up the momentum in this performance, considering he was still recovering from a broken finger. If Johnson keeps this up, he may become a surprise contender.
Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.0 TOTAL: 13.0 (7th)
Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston
Skated to: Respect
Kerry is one of those who will perhaps take the time she needs to learn something new. Some emphasis on this fact was shown in this routine but once again, the partnership between her and Dan is very strong. There will be no doubt she will go a distance but how far is yet to say.
Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 5.0 Emma 5.0 TOTAL: 14.0 (6th)
The Result
Getting a high score with the judges was now crucial to survive the skate-off. If not, they had to rely on a strong fanbase to get them through. In the end Dominic and Steven would have to go head-to-head to stay in the show.
The judges made the final decision for the first time this year and unsurprisingly, all three opted to keep Dominic in the competition. It was good while it lasted for Steven but a little surprising that he went now, considering his popularity; you would have thought he would last longer. Jason Gardiner however was less sympathetic and caused more outrage by saying “I’m disappointed it isn’t a double eviction tonight” before casting his vote. Sometimes that bloke goes too far.
