Dancing on Ice 2011 - First qualifying heat

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

DANCING on Ice returned to ITV1 with a massive facelift, in an aim to appeal more viewers to the excitement of the show.  Armed with a brand new set, which looks bigger and more attractive, 16 new celebrities and with the show in high definition for the first time, it was time to get down to the gritty business of competing.

This year, the 16 stars have to pass a qualifying heat to compete.  Only 12 will make into the contest itself and the public would make the ultimate decision as to who it would be.  The ice panel was also reworked with just Jason Gardiner, Robin Cousins and Emma Bunton scoring the performances, now out of marks of ten, which makes sense as having a maximum score of 18 just wouldn’t work.

Here is a roundup of the eight celebrities that took to ice this weekend,

Steven Arnold & Nina Ulanova

Performed to: House of Fun

Ex-Corrie favourite Steven had the honour of kicking off DOI 2011.  As always, it is tough to go first and it proved here.  Despite the fact that it was certainly entertaining, nerves did get the better of him and it’s something he will have to get over quickly to stand a chance of staying around for a longer period.

Selected comment: “For me, you didn’t sustain the routine. I can see you were relying on your partner, but you have to be the male presence in the act.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 2, Robin 3, Emma 2              TOTAL: 7/30 (8th)

Angela Rippon & Sean Rice

Performed to: At Last

DETAILED: But it didn't save Angela from a surprising exit

Having appeared as a guest judge on the show for one week last year, it seemed weird that Angela was now competing on the show.  She does have a lot of dancing experience and this routine seemed to show it, though there were a few noticeable errors.  A polished routine if not memorable.

Selected comment: “There was serenity about the performance, the leg and hand lines are beautiful but you need to let yourself go and don't worry about attention to detail on the dancing side as much.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 5, Emma 3              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Performed to: My Life Would Suck Without You

FEARLESS: Laura Hamilton wowed everyone on week one

The Nickelodeon presenter claims to be fearless and willing to tackle anything.  This routine proved just that, although it might have been lacking in any special elements, the pace was very quick and proved her intentions in this competition.  Laura may well be in the show for the long term.

Selected comment: I'm so excited; it was fast, brave and exciting.  Like Robin said, you need to enjoy the fact that you have a lovely man who can lead you around.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 6, Emma 6              TOTAL: 16/30 (1st)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Performed to: Wishing On a Star

It must have felt like a daunting experience for Johnson, little mentioned of and now preparing for something that seemed just as dangerous as his army conflicts.  Nevertheless, he actually did quite well and although he very nearly fell down in the contestants’ introduction at the start, this performance certainly made up for the mishap.

Selected comment: “The blades, moving like an ice skater.  Six years in and you are one of the most confident skaters. It was sublime.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 2, Robin 5, Emma 4              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Nadia Sawalha & Mark Hanretty

Performed to: Proud Mary

Out of all of the stars competing at the weekend, Nadia was perhaps the most nervous of all.  Her routine turned out to be one of two halves.  It started well but soon got dull and slow towards the end.  Overall, a disappointing start but there is certainly room for improvement.

Selected comment: I wouldn't say I'm entirely happy.  I think that it did start off with great potential and then you started to dance on your own and your legs looked anaesthetised and they went numb.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 3, Emma 3              TOTAL: 9/30 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Performed to: Make You Feel My Love

Kerry is certainly the most talked about celebrity of this year’s line-up.  Having finally got her life back on track after several years in the doldrums, she is now aiming for redemption.  Her first performance was solid if unspectacular and there is already a connection with her partner Dan.  If she keeps this up and makes consistent improvement, Kerry will also go a long distance.

Selected comment: “What an improvement from the dress rehearsal! That was very tender and very controlled and you worked beautifully with Daniel.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 5, Emma 5              TOTAL: 14/30 (3rd)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Performed to: The Way Love Goes

RISING: Jeff Brazier was in control of his partner throughout

Jeff has been a rising star in TV over recent years, mainly due to his involvement with The X-Factor.  Taking part on DOI will surely enhance his career and his first performance was good.  Although there was the odd mistake now and again, you can certainly expect he will be one to watch throughout.

Selected comment: “I love the dance moves!  I'd like you to commit more to the dance moves, make your arms stronger, but I like your smile and I have to admit I have a soft spot for you.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 4              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Performed to: Word Up

Before he came onto this show, everyone had different opinions onto how Vanilla Ice would approach this competition.  His first routine proved he wants to win the show.  A lot of energy and tricks were put into it and he may well be the dark horse in the competition if he keeps this up.

Selected comment: “It was a great routine, which played to all your strengths and all your Vanilla-isms.  There was solid partnering; great lifts but I wonder how you will adapt to different styles.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 5, Robin 5, Emma 5              TOTAL: 15/30 (2nd)

The Result

For these preliminary heats, the panel was powerless as the public decided who would go into the competition proper.  The scores they gave would not work as an advantage, only acting as a guidance to the viewers.

Vanilla, Kerry, Johnson, Jeff and Steven were chosen to go through to the contest by the public, leaving an all-girl skate off between Angela, Nadia and a huge shock, top of the leaderboard Laura for the one remaining place from this heat.

In the first ever three-way skate off, each of them skated again as before whilst phone lines reopened for the public to resume voting during it.  After the votes were counted up, Laura snatched the final slot available, eliminating both Angela and Nadia.

DEMISE: Nadia's departure from the show wasn't surprising

Nadia’s exit was expected as she hadn’t really garnered much support but Angela’s was a little bit surprising given her previous dance experience.  She may have gotten much further, but with a contestant like Laura in the bottom three, there was always only going to be one winner.

In truth, Dancing on Ice 2011 has made an impressive start.  The set looks brilliant; the change in format has certainly left the contestants more under pressure so the omens are already in place for a great series.  On Sunday, Chloe Madeley, ‘Comedy’ Dave Vitty, Craig McLachlan, Denise Welch, Dominic Cork, Elen Rivas, Jennifer Metcalfe and Sam Attwater will battle for the six remaining places in the show itself.  Join me again next week for the second qualifying heat report.