Dancing on Ice 2011 - Second qualifying heat

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment Expert)

Last week, the first six celebrities booked their places in this year’s competition and this week it was the turn of the other eight celebrities to show what they could do to get into the proper stages of Dancing on Ice.

Here is a summary of the eight stars who took part on Sunday.

Craig McLachlan & Maria Filippov

Skated to: Sympathy for the Devil

UNSUCCESSFUL: Craig continued Australia's losing trend

With successful stints in Neighbours and Home and Away in the 1980’s, Craig came to Britain hoping to prove that Aussies can win a sport!  His routine was great to watch, though it was lacking the rather required pace for the accompanying music. 

Selected comment: “The costume covered a multitude of sins for me tonight mate.  From the waist down you move quite gingerly and it looks like you are wearing a soiled nappy!” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 3, Emma 3                                              TOTAL: 9/30 (8th)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Two years ago, Hollyoaks stunner Jennifer narrowly missed out on the final line-up.  Now she was finally living her dream.  Already reportedly intimate with her pro partner Sylvain, it was anticipated this would be partnership in the making.  Despite a huge mistake when she mistimed her roll-up move, it was a good start.

Selected comment: “You must have danced before because the way that you carry yourself is stunning.  I've fallen out of a lift before and it is so scary and I admire you so much for keeping your head up and carrying on with the routine.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 4, Emma 4                                              TOTAL: 12/30 (3rd)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Skated to: The Safety Dance

Branded the joker of the pack must be difficult but also appealing as the public will vote more often.  Regardless, Dave’s first performance was actually quite solid and not as disgraceful as first feared.  There is no doubt he may get plenty of support no matter whether he will become good or bad on the ice.

Selected comment: “You equipped yourself very well. It was genius of Christopher Dean to use all your bad assets and make them work for you.  I have to say, week one, a three jump and an assisted jump on your own, well done.” (Robin Cousins)

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

Elen Rivas & Lukasz Rozycki

Skated to: Your Love Is King

UNIMPRESSIVE: And Elen paid the price, with an early exit

Known as a model but better as the ex of Frank Lampard, Elen had a lot to prove to everyone that she was lot nicer than first thought.  Not so however, her VT showed her demanding better choreography to put into her routine and she got what she asked for, only to mess it up by just…well…not skating at all perfectly. .

Selected comment: “Where was the passion tonight?  There were fighting words, but they just didn't translate onto the ice.  Very constricted in the upper body and a very disassociated performance from your choreography.” (Jason Gardiner)

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

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann

Skated to: Are You Ready For Love

Dominic earns the reputation of being the first cricketer to take part on this show and is no doubt hoping to emulate the successes of Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash on Strictly Come Dancing.  However, it seems like victory is not up his street and this routine showed it.  However, if he doesn’t make constant mistakes and makes the odd improvement, he will go a good distance.

Selected comment: “You are the tallest skater we have here and the tendency would be to stoop over your partner, but you didn't, you made her come to you.” (Robin Cousins)

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

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenezini

Skated to: Mama Do

The daughter of famous TV presenting duo Richard & Judy, Chloe is another star who has been linked to participating in the past but has only now got her chance.  Amidst fears she would flop, she didn’t.  In fact, she was the surprise of the night and if she keeps this up, she will be a surprise package in this show.

Selected comment: “I know that there is so much to think about, but technically you have got it now.  Just try and relax and enjoy the character a bit more.  I want to see the cheeky playful Chloe that we know and love.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 6, Emma 6                                              TOTAL: 16/30 (2nd)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Club Can’t Handle Me

FANTASTIC: Sam underlined his bookies favourite potential

Sam is a little-known EastEnders actor that has surely turned into a skating superstar.  Well, that is certainly the impression from this first performance.  So much energy, pace and moves were put into it and he has certainly left a mark on this competition.  Unless there is any serious reply from anyone else within these next couple of weeks, it’s Sam’s competition to lose.

Selected comment: “Fantastic skating, fantastic instant chemistry and some of the strongest skating we've seen in week one.  You were really being pushed.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 6, Robin 7, Emma 8                                              TOTAL: 21/30 (1st)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Pack Up

PROMISING: But Jason Gardiner really took a dislike to Denise

Those who are associated to Loose Women will indeed be backing Denise throughout.  In honest truth, her first performance was not brilliant but not bad either.  I think it’s fair to say that no matter how she copes, she will get the votes to go through.

Selected comment: “Surprisingly there were real moments of promise, combined with Matt skating with his mum!  I want you to lose the skating with mum quality that we saw.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 3                                              TOTAL: 10/30 (7th)

The Result

There were just six places left to fill in the Dancing on Ice 2011 line-up and again, the public alone was responsible in making the decision.  Comedy Dave, Dominic, Chloe, Sam and Denise snatched the first five on offer tonight whilst Jennifer secured the final slot in the skate-off against Craig and Elen.

This will no doubt give Jennifer a serious reality check, just like Laura last week.  However, I always have to be honest at this point and so I must admit, I actually thought she would be knocked out and that Craig would go though, because even if his skating wasn’t up to standard, I honestly thought his personality would shine though and win the public over.  Nevertheless, it’s still a good case that the strongest skater won through again.

So we now have our competition line-up and next week it all kicks off for real.  The judges will finally be able to have their say as their scores will go towards the overall result and will now have complete power again in the skate-off, which reverts back to a head-to-head battle.

Chloe Madeley, Comedy Dave, Denise Welch, Dominic Cork, Jeff Brazier, Jennifer Metcalfe, Johnson Beharry, Kerry Katona, Laura Hamilton, Sam Attwater, Steven Arnold and Vanilla Ice. One of them will win Dancing on Ice 2011, but who will prevail out on top.  It begins next Sunday at 6:10pm on ITV1 (HD).  As always, a report will be issued next week.

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.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The skating stars

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

Five years ago, with ITV1 in much need of introducing an entertainment extravaganza for its winter weekends, they made a bold decision to launch a new reality show in which celebrities learned how to ice skate.  To the surprise of many, Dancing on Ice became a massive hit and since 2008, it has rejuvenated the broadcaster’s fortunes in the Sunday night ratings battle.

NEW LOOK: Can Dancing on Ice strengthen its appeal?

This Sunday is the launch of the sixth series and to keep the show fresh and appealing, this year will have massive changes.  Not only is there a new set, as production of the series moves from Elstree to Shepperton Studios in Kent, there will be a record sixteen celebrities participating, all new professional partners (just six from previous series remain), the introduction of double eliminations and a reworked judging system with just three judges scoring the performances; Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins with Karen Barber becoming head coach, from now on answering any criticism given by the panel whilst Nicky Slater has been axed completely.

This blog introduces the 16 celebrities going for ice glory this year.  Bookmakers’ odds supplied by William Hill, as of 6 January.

Angela Rippon

Age: 66, Occupation: Former BBC newsreader, Professional Partner: Sean Rice

EXPERIENCE: Will it see Angela all the way?

Angela is no stranger to the show; she was a guest judge on one week of last year’s series.  She is best known for being a regular figure in the BBC newsroom throughout the eighties and early nineties.  Despite her age, she has dancing experience which will help to stem some criticism she may receive from the judges.  Angela will certainly be a popular figure with the public, no matter if she does good or bad.

Odds: 25-1

Chloe Madeley

Age: 23, Occupation: Celebrity Columnist and Reporter, Professional Partner: Michael Zenzini

Chloe will probably be a new face to a lot of people.  She is rarely in the spotlight but does constantly have her say on the celebrity news through writing columns and blogs on a selection of showbiz websites.  Chloe is of course well supported by parents, popular TV couple Richard & Judy, but will the public warm to her appearance?

Odds: 20-1

Craig McLachlan

Age: 45, Occupation: Ex-Neighbours actor, Professional Partner: Maria Filippov

As a young man, Craig was a huge figure in the 80’s as Henry Ramsay in Australian soap Neighbours, before moving to further drama roles in his native land.  Though time may have past, Craig is still well respected and is now aiming to take it to Britain.  It is certainly a big gamble but something that he is confident will pay off.

Odds: 33-1

David ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty

Age: 36, Occupation: BBC Radio 1 regular, Professional Partner: Frankie Poultney

COMEDIAN: Will Dave live up to his reputation?

David has been associated to radio broadcasting all his life.  It wasn’t until 1997 when he got his big break in landing a slot on BBC Radio 1 as part of Chris Moyles’s programme and he followed him in every timeslot Moyles moved to, eventually ending up at breakfast time today, under the name of ‘Comedy Dave’.  It is no doubt he will be marked as the clown of the pack, bad but funny to watch.

Odds: 25-1

Denise Welch

Age: 52, Occupation: Actress and Loose Women panellist, Professional Partner: Matt Evers

BACKING: Denise's popularity might see her through?

Denise is a well known personality to many.  Over the years she has acted in a number of roles in television, most notably in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.  In recent years, she is also regularly seen on ITV1’s lunchtime hit ‘Loose Women.’  Everyone that is associated with the show will certainly be backing Denise and there maybe every chance of the same effect to Coleen Nolan in the 2009 series happening to her.

Odds: 33-1

Dominic Cork

Age: 39, Occupation: Cricketer, Professional Partner: Alexandra Schumann

In his peak, Dominic was one of England’s formidable bowlers in the test cricket line-up.  He retired in 2002 following 37 test matches and 131 wickets but is still going strongly in country cricket with Lancashire and right now Hampshire.  Cricketers tend to do well in shows like this so the jury is well and truly out on him.

Odds: 33-1

Elen Rivas

Age: 35, Occupation: Glamour Model, Professional Partner: Lukasz Rozycki

Elen may be known as a glamour model, but is well known more for her intimate long-term relationship with Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard.  It is a tough ask for somebody like her to adjust to modelling sequins instead of dresses but if she can concentrate with the job in hand, she may be the surprise package.

Odds: 40-1 joint outsider

Jeff Brazier

Age: 31, Occupation: TV presenter and reporter, Professional Partner: Isabelle Gauthier

POPULAR: Jeff will be one to watch

After his initial hopes of being a professional footballer were cut short, Jeff turned to television to enhance his career.  People will know him best for his work on The X-Factor where he usually provides weekly reports for This Morning and presents the programme’s live nationwide tour.  Jeff is no doubt a popular figure and will certainly be one to watch on the ice.

Odds: 12-1

Jennifer Metcalfe

Age: 27, Occupation: Hollyoaks actress, Professional Partner: Sylvain Longchambon

HOT: Jennifer is likely to be popular with the guys

For the fourth series running, Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks is represented on the show, this time by Jennifer.  Well known for her portrayal of Mercedes Fisher on the soap, she remains a popular figure on the show despite Hollyoaks drop in ratings and popularity.  Aside from the rumours that she is already linked to dating her professional partner Sylvain, she may be a front runner in the competition and don’t forget she was on the shortlist for the 2009 series but just missed out on a place.

Odds: 13-2

Johnson Beharry

Age: 31, Occupation: Victoria Cross recipient, Professional Partner: Jodeyne Higgins

Many will ask the question, who is Johnson Beharry?  No one knows him because he ISN’T a celebrity!  In fact, Johnson is British Army soldier who was awarded a Victoria Cross back in 2005 for his services in Iraq.  A rather questionable choice but nevertheless, hopes are high for him as with anyone. This will certainly put him in the public spotlight.

Odds: 14-1

Kerry Katona

Age: 30, Occupation: Singer and Reality TV personality, Professional Partner: Dan Whiston

REDEMPTION: Can Kerry find it here?

When Kerry won I’m A Celebrity way back in 2004, it was meant to spark an up rise in fame.  Instead, it pretty much went downhill, with two divorces, alcoholism, bankruptcy and drug addiction.  It was only when she lost her advertising contract with Iceland in 2009 when she stood up and realised what she had done with her life.  Now to give fair credit, Kerry is turning it around well and an opportunity like this will give her chance to show everyone that she is back to her old self.

Odds: 10-1

Laura Hamilton

Age: 28, Occupation: Children’s TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Colin Ratushniak

Laura is also perhaps a new face to many people.  Since 2006, she has been a regular VT presenter for kids digital channel, Nickelodeon but from time to time, she has also guest hosted the ‘Toonattik’ cartoon strand on the now obsolete GMTV.  Laura is one of a few people to have some skating experience but whether this can be taken into advantage is another matter.

Odds: 3-1

Nadia Sawalha

Age: 46, Occupation: Actress and TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Mark Hanretty

Nadia is one of a few people to have experienced the lot in TV.  In the 1990’s, she was a regular face in EastEnders and has since gone on star in Casualty and The Bill before moving into TV presenting, including a range of BBC daytime programmes and was also a co-host of ‘The One Show’ in its four week trial run back in 2006.  Nadia doesn’t expect to do well; she just wants to enjoy the time.

Odds: 33-1

Sam Attwater

Age: 24, Occupation: Ex-EastEnders Actor, Professional Partner: Brianne Delcourt

Sam may be an actor, though hasn’t had many accomplished roles.  His only known appearances were a brief guest stint in EastEnders last year and its online spinoff, E20.  Second youngest in the line-up might play to a good chance of success and he has also got a musical school background.  He may certainly be someone to watch out for.

Odds: 2-1 favourite

Steven Arnold

Age: 36, Occupation: Ex-Coronation Street Actor, Professional Partner: Nina Ulanova

OUTSIDER: But Steven might shock people

The appearance of Steven will already put to everyone’s mind about his Corrie alter ego.  As popular butcher Ashley Peacock, Steven was a regular fixture to everyone’s lives until last month when he lost his life in the devastating tram crash.  Now he skates onto the show and whether he does good or bad, you can be sure plenty of people will support and vote for him.

Odds: 40-1 joint outsider

Vanilla Ice (a.k.a. Robert van Winkle)

Age: 43, Occupation: Musician, Professional Partner: Katie Stainsby

ICE: Will skating be up Vanilla's street?

A legendary American rapper, Ice is well associated to his 1990’s hit ‘Ice, Ice, Baby’ which stormed the charts across the world.  After several years of independent work, he returned to the public spotlight last year to produce to remake of his classic track for X-Factor twins Jedward.  His determination to succeed and performance levels on the rink may split the public’s view on him.

Odds: 16-1

There is once again an eclectic mix of famous faces. Some who will be going all out to win, others who just want to enjoy the experience and a few who will no doubt make a fool of themselves for votes.  Whatever, you can be sure this year’s line-up will looking to bring Dancing On Ice back into the spotlight with its many format changes this year that it really needs to keep it going.

The competition begins Sunday at 6:30pm, live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.