Dancing on Ice 2011 - Battle of the teams

 
By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

JUST six stars remained in Dancing on Ice and the pressured was stepped up even further with the advent of a team challenge.  The skaters would be split into two groups of three and the winning team would gain an advantage in the results.

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Alone

HEATED: Jason had a showdown with Tim Healy

Denise has mainly her supporters to thank for getting this far but is making solid attempts to improve.  It was certainly a better performance than last week but again was lacking the fluidity that was required.  Then things got really heated when her husband, Benidorm actor Tim Healy invaded the stage and had it out with Jason Gardiner.  Imagine if he really had decked him!

Scores: Jason 5.0, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                   

TOTAL: 15.0 (6th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: Hit the Road Jack

Over these last few weeks we have seen Jeff transform from a no-hoper into a serious contender and its all down to the work he has put in to improve.  This performance again played to his strengths, don’t count him out yet on reaching the final.

Scores: Jason 7.0, Robin 7.5, Emma 8.0                                   TOTAL: 22.5 (4th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Crazy Love

Last week Sam returned to his best with the show’s highest score and now the hunt was on for the 10 marks.  Again, the performance and presentation was very good and divine but some of the flair shown last week was missing.  It didn’t seem to come together when it really mattered.

Scores: Jason 8.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.5                                   TOTAL: 25.5 (3rd)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: Empire State of Mind

Recent outings have shown that Chloe is still willing to fight and get on the same level as Sam and Laura.  Not only this routine stated this intent, she took beyond another barrier to score two crucial 9 marks and outscore Sam.  It was a performance fully deserving of the high marks.

Scores: Jason 8.5, Robin 9.0, Emma 9.0                                   TOTAL: 26.5 (2nd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: You Are So Beautiful

You just have to commend Johnson for the bravery and effort he is putting into his performances, even if isn’t up the standard that it should be at this point in the competition.  To be honest, this was actually the first time that everything went right in a routine for him and getting the best reward in a huge improvement of the scores.

Scores: Jason 5.5, Robin 6.0, Emma 6.0                                   TOTAL: 17.5 (5th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Scores: I’m So Excited

BEST: Laura produced the top marks

What a different a week makes.  Last week, Laura was staring down shock elimination and this week, she finds herself top again with a new series best.  Something that has helped along the way is that she has built a strong partnership with partner Colin.  If she keeps this up, she can really win it.

Scores: Jason 9.5, Robin 9.5, Emma 9.5           TOTAL: 28.5 (1st)

Team Challenge

The extra reward this week was that three celebrities had the chance to double their scores and perhaps earn certainty of safety from the skate-off.  As the top two skaters, Sam and Laura were appointed to select their teammates for the challenge.  Sam went with Chloe and Johnson whilst Laura was assisted by Jeff and Denise.

     Sam’s team focused of course on the technique and ability to perform whilst Laura’s team opted for a more presentational style in their performance.  The judges were to decide who won the challenge, and based on both performances, it seemed too close to call though many would believe Sam’s side would just edge it.  However both Jason Gardiner and Emma Bunton yet again showed their stupidity and overruled head judge Robin Cousins’ vote to see Laura’s team win the challenge.

The Result

GRACIOUS: Denise and Matt made a dignified exit

The team challenge kept Laura at the top of board whilst Denise moved from last to third, sending Johnson to last place and Sam into the bottom two. However, because of his natural talent, it wasn’t a surprise that Sam would receive the necessary votes to survive.  Despite earning double points, Denise was sent into the skate-off alongside Johnson, for both their first time in this situation.

     It was again a simple decision for the judges.  Johnson was able to provide more and so earned a clean sweep of votes.  It was tough luck for Denise, she has done very well, but in this stage of the competition, the best skaters must stay.

     Next week is something that has to be always included in DOI, props week.  So, expect familiar items like a chair and an umbrella to be involved but then again, we may see the likes of a bed or even a piano involved.