Dancing on Ice 2011 - The final skate-off

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THE months of hard work and training had now really paid off.  For Sam Attwater, Laura Hamilton or Chloe Madeley, one of them would join the Dancing on Ice hall of fame as a champion.  The decision would be made entirely by the public and they had two performances to impress them.

     In the first performance, each finalist performed a “final showcase” in which they were able to produce, choreograph, and devise their own routine to a certain theme.  Along with the aid of their professional partner, they also each worked with up to four additional pros in the routine.

     First up with competition favourites Sam & Brianne with a footloose themed number, joined by Frankie Poultney, Dan Whiston, Nina Ulanova and Matt Evers.  In a show first, the showcase contained not one, not two but three headbangers, all at the same time!  Very risky, but it was pulled off and with the rest of the performance nailed to perfection, it deserved the first 10 marks of the competition.

SAFE: Laura's first performance was a bit too secure

     Next was Laura’s turn.  She and Colin were assisted by Sylvain Longchambon and Mark Hanretty, being very brave in only going for two extra pros.  Though, the setting and presentation was spectacular, the gamble didn’t seem to pay off and was considered by the judges as a little too safe.  Finally, Chloe and Michael were accompanied by Alexandra Schumann, Lukasz Rozycki, Jodeyne Higgins and Sean Rice for a Dirty Dancing inspired routine.  As with Laura, it didn’t really show much of Chloe’s strengths or expose any weaknesses but the marks were a tad unfair as it seem a little bit better than Laura’s. 

SHOWCASE SCORES

Sam & Brianne 29.5

Laura & Colin 26.0

Chloe & Michael 25.5

REVEALED: Jason removes his hat to praise Laura

For their second routine before the first elimination, each couple would re-enact a routine from a previous week and tweak it a little to ensure it got higher marks than before.  Firstly, Sam performed his Riverdance themed routine from Week 8.  Perfecting the traditional Irish dance was on his cards and it worked but was left astounded when the judges’ only gave him half mark improvements on last time.  With the highest score out of all previous routines to be done in this round, the omens were good for Laura to match Sam in earning a 10 mark.  Her dance to ‘I’m So Excited’, as first done on the ninth week, it did the job in acquiring a 10…only for it to achieve a perfect score!  The praise led to judge Jason Gardiner finally removing his hat after 12 weeks to reveal a huge growth of hair!  Last up, Chloe went back to her Bollywood inspired routine.  A huge risk considering it wasn’t her highest scoring routine of the series so it was just a case of getting as high as she could, and that was easily achieved.

PREVIOUS ROUTINE SCORES

Laura & Colin 30.0

Sam & Brianne 28.5

Chloe & Michael 28.5

TOTAL SCORES

Sam & Brianne 58.0

Laura & Colin 56.0

Chloe & Michael 54.0

CONSISTENT: However, it wasn't enough to get Chloe to skate the Bolero

Dancing on Ice had never experienced a tighter final than this before with just six points separating the final three.  Sam was still the front-runner but with Laura’s maximum score putting her right into contention and Chloe’s consistency of convincing the public, this was not going to be an easy decision as to which two couples would skate the Bolero.

     In the end, the result was as widely predicted.  Sam and Laura advanced into the skate-off for the title and Chloe exited in third place.  In the Bolero skate, Sam did his right to near-perfection whilst Laura struggled with what content to put in and that would prove to be her undoing and a sloppy first half to the routine handed Sam the title on a plate.

WINNERS: Sam and Brianne are 2011 champions

     Most people would have been convinced that Sam was simply showing off throughout most of the competition but no one could deny that his Bolero was completely the better and deserved to win.  He like Laura and Chloe came into the competition as unknowns, rarely mentioned in the public spotlight but they will prove to be all winners as their heroics have acquired them a huge fanbase and all three will move on to bigger and better opportunities.

     Overall, despite a thrilling final, the verdict on the series has been very lacklustre with many people saying these huge changes to the show’s format hasn’t worked and it has in fact, sent the show backwards.  ITV will undoubtedly want to call an urgent meeting of the producers to discuss what went wrong and decide on how to make it better next year.  I’m not one to judge on this issue but I think I have to be fair and say it could have done better and maybe this format can do another series and then decide which direction the show is heading from then.

     However, amongst the rather criticism and questionable choice of the public, everyone has congratulate Sam Attwater for becoming Dancing on Ice Champion 2011.  Once again, the pre-competition favourite has triumphed in sensational fashion.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The semi-final

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

THEY thought it would be tough but never this tough.  For Chloe, Johnson, Laura and Sam, they had to learn how to skate on their own in a pressurised task to reach this Sunday’s Dancing on Ice final.

Chloe Madeley

Out of all of the final four, Chloe had the public advantage as she had never been in the skate-off.  Her main performance was once again pleasing, but a nasty fall when her and pro partner Michael Zenzini’s blades became tangled lost her vital marks and in her solo routine, she didn’t really put much emphasis and it lacked momentum as a result.

COUPLES SCORE: 21.0

SOLO SCORE: 20.0

ACCUMULATED TOTAL: 51.0/60.0 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry

MEAN: Jason Gardiner criticised Johnson's performance, AGAIN!

People will indeed question why he is still here but the fact is, Johnson just hasn’t given up and so deserves to be here on merit.  The main performance was the best that he could deliver in the situation but it did wind the criticism of a certain Mr. Gardiner.  His solo skate was a real letdown, no energy and no commitment; it was certainly the worst week to expose his weakness.

COUPLES SCORE: 18.5

SOLO SCORE: 15.5

ACCUMULATED TOTAL: 34.0/60.0 (4th)

Laura Hamilton

The headbanger move really needs some guts and skill to pull off and Laura has that to the core.  In a situation where she really wanted to assert herself as front-runner, it was something she had to execute and did…by just the narrowest of margins.  The solo spot was bang on and she perhaps couldn’t have asked for more as she delivered.

COUPLES SCORE: 28.0

SOLO SCORE: 26.5

ACCUMULATED TOTAL: 54.5/60.0 (2nd)

Sam Attwater

Although he may have lost his way in recent times, Sam’s competitive start still ranks him as competition favourite.  Not wanting to be outdone by rival Laura, he too executed the headbanger, and also had a very close call with it to cause a tie in the leaderboard after round one.  However, he went one better in the solo round but perhaps the judges scores were somewhat of a safe measure.

COUPLES SCORE: 28.0

SOLO SCORE: 27.5

ACCUMULATED TOTAL: 55.5/60.0 (1st)

The Result

BRAVE: Johnson Beharry has fought hard, but not enough for the final

Only two couples could be assured of spots in the grand final and as widely expected, Sam and Laura earned those places with Chloe and Johnson having to rely on the judge’s decision for the final place.     

     This was Chloe’s first time in the skate-off in Johnson’s second in three weeks.  It is indeed the worst possible time to leave the show but in the end, it was no contest.  Chloe was by far the stronger and earned approval from all three of the judges.  Hard luck on Johnson though.  He has been brave and courageous and thoroughly deserved a standing ovation from the crowd after his elimination.  This will not be the last we hear of him, mark my words.

     However, it is the final that everyone had been predicting and hoping.  Chloe Madeley, Laura Hamilton and Sam Attwater have been the best three skaters this series by far and will do battle in the final.  Next week, they will compete to win Dancing on Ice 2011 and there will be a few changes to its format.  Sadly, the flying routines have gone but what hasn’t changed is the prize for the final two.  They will still get to skate their version of Torvill & Dean’s unique Bolero routine.  Who are you supporting to win?

Dancing on Ice 2011 - Props week

By Jason Wright (Entertainment expert)

DANCING on Ice just wouldn’t be the same without a props week in which the couples are challenged to perform with an item.  This year it was made even tougher, as they had to skate with two props each and to try and not get distracted by the sight of swing band The Overtones, who performed with each of the routines.

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Beggin’

Props: Hat and Microphone stand

SCRAPPY: Sam had another bad night on the rink

In these last few weeks, it’s fair to say that Sam hasn’t had his way of late.  Problems in training with the hat meant he changed it right before the show…only to blow it by dropping it and then blaming it for the questionable performance.  A vicious argument with Jason Gardiner afterwards meant it was another bad week at the office for the bookies favourite.

Scores: Jason 8.0, Robin 8.0, Emma 8.5                                   TOTAL: 24.5/30.0 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: Goodnight Sweetheart

Props: Hat and Umbrella

Something that has kept Johnson in this long is his determination and will to do as best as he can.  He showed that ability again and continued his recent upturn in improvement.  Who’s to say that he could still spring an upset yet?

Scores: Jason 6.5, Robin 7.0, Emma 6.0                                   TOTAL: 19.5/30.0 (5th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: Rolling In the Deep

Props: Cane and Chair

Laura has fought back from a distant second to a serious front runner.  Of course, using the props in mind (A chair and cane) meant she wouldn’t be able to better or match her score last week but still it was another impressive display.

Scores: Jason 8.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.5                                   TOTAL: 25.5/30.0 (2nd)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: We Can Work It Out

Props: Chair and Table

ERRORS: Basic mistakes played a part in Jeff's departure

Jeff has a very good case to reach the final.  He has certainly improved the most over the course of the competition.  His routine though was little disappointing as the judges criticised him for putting more dramatics in over the quantity.  Sadly, the basic mistakes over-ruled the spectacular lifts and moves.

Scores: Jason 6.5, Robin 7.5, Emma 7.5                                   TOTAL: 21.5/30.0 (4th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: Only Girl in the World

Props: Hula Hoop and Skipping Rope

With both Sam and Laura struggling with their props, this was a great opportunity for Chloe to get right into the leading group.  She didn’t disappoint.  Her performance was flawless throughout and she put great emphasis in her props given she was struggling so much with them in training.  Has Chloe just stated her intention to win?  Only time will tell.

Scores: Jason 9.0, Robin 9.0, Emma 9.0                                   TOTAL: 27.0/30.0 (1st)

The Result

More surprises were sprung in the results as Johnson defied the odds again to make the semi-final and force a stunned Sam into the skate-off alongside Jeff, who was now in this position for the third time.

     Both performances were largely improved second time but of course Sam was and has been the most superior skater so sadly Jeff never really stood a chance as the judges all went for Sam.

     Next week, it is of course the semi-final and Chloe, Johnson, Laura and Sam will face their toughest challenge to date as they will be skating alone.  For one week, they will be relieved of their normal pro partners and devise and perform a routine on their own. It’s an uphill task, but one that is worthy of reaching the grand final.

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.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The world tour

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

DANCING on Ice covered the globe this week as the seven remaining couples all had routines inspired by a certain nation.  There was drama though before the show got underway as regular host Holly Willoughby was struck down with a migraine and was forced to miss the show.  So at the eleventh hour, former contestant and fellow This Morning regular Coleen Nolan stood in alongside Phillip Schofield.

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: Upside Down

Country Inspired By: USA

Flying high from going to top of the leaderboard last week, all eyes were on Laura to continue on the top form.  Though this performance seemed weaker than the last few weeks, it was still very impressive and strong enough to earn strong scores and comments from the judges.

SCORES: Jason 8.0 Robin 8.0 Emma 8.5                                   TOTAL: 24.5 (2nd)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: When I Need You

Country Inspired By: Austria

After a disappointment of the skate-off outing last week, Jeff had to bounce back to the recent form he had shown.  He did just that, combining the quality and quantity of the performance together to earn his best score.  He could still be in it for a few weeks yet.

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

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Let’s Get Loud

Country Inspired By: Brazil

The question was for Denise, could she keep up the form she discovered last week?  Sadly, the answer was no.  Although it seemed passionate and well laid out, the overall presentation just lacked in all directions. 

SCORES: Jason 4.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 14.5 (Joint 6th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Like I Love You

Country Inspired By: Spain

This was perhaps the best chance yet for Vanilla to show true passion and determination together into his performance.  When it mattered the most, he did just that and although there was the odd error or two, it was still relatively clean throughout.

SCORES: Jason 7.0, Robin 7.0, Emma 7.5                                TOTAL: 21.5 (5th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Riverdance

Country Inspired By: Ireland

This was the week that Sam well and truly had to return to form if he wanted to stay as the strong favourite in the competition.  A Riverdance-themed routine did just the trick and rightfully earned the highest marks of the series to date.  It looks like he is back on track.

SCORES: Jason 9.0, Robin 9.0, Emma 9.0                                TOTAL: 27.0 (1st)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenezini

Skated to: Kiss Kiss

Country Inspired By: India

Something that has been lacking in Chloe’s performances of recent was both pace and not being able to show a sexier side but in this Bollywood-style dance; both were easily be able to be incorporated.  With the likes of Denise and Johnson getting through on high votes however, it certainly isn’t right to say that she is safe at this stage.

SCORES: Jason 7.5, Robin 7.5, Emma 8.5                                TOTAL: 23.5 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: She Drives Me Crazy

Country Inspired By: Argentina

No matter how much stick he can get, Johnson does at least try to make a decent effort at the task in hand.  On this occasion though, it was a total letdown as he didn’t warm to the style of routine at all and hardly looked like he was enjoying it.  A testing experience, just how much longer can he cope?

SCORES: Jason 4.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.0                                TOTAL: 14.5 (Joint 6th)

The Result

As always, one thing is certain on Dancing on Ice, never underestimate the power of the public.  It was shown tonight as strugglers Denise and Johnson once again were saved by the voters and consigned Vanilla Ice and Laura into the bottom two.  

     Both easily improved on their first attempts but considering that Laura was a strong contender, this decision was a no-brainer for the judges, Laura had to be saved and Vanilla Ice was frozen out. Shame, but as mentioned these things can well and truly happen on this show.

     The remaining six skaters will face another new twist in next week’s show which on this occasion is being kept firmly under wraps for Sunday.  This is the part of the contest now when the celebrities have to perform to their ability and the public must save the strongest.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The ice pick

BY Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

This week, Dancing on Ice was turned onto its head yet again as the bombshell dropped by Robin Cousins would see the celebrities vote to save.  Would they save a friend or eliminated a rival?

First though was the all-important matter of impressing the public with their routines.

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Performed to: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll

On the up from last week, Chloe continued her good run of form.  A change of character this week with a rock song and yet another risky move, in the form of the ‘Human Necklace’, were made effortless.  As the competition moves forward, everyone now certainly expects her to get even better.

Scores: Jason 6.5, Robin 6.5, Emma 6.5                                   TOTAL: 19.5 (3rd)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Performed to: One Love

An unusual occurrence this week as one of the stars actually took advice from Jason Gardiner.  Johnson put in extra training into his routine and it paid off with dividends.  The only criticism is that he needs to start picking up the pace in his performance but otherwise he is actually not proving as bad as first thought.

Scores: Jason 4.0, Robin 4.5, Emma 4.5                                   TOTAL: 13.0 (6th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Performed to: Getting Together

This was without question the week from hell for Jeff.  Finding the competition harder than what he first thought, he also put in extra hours to prove he can go a distance in the show.  For a while it looked like it was working, until he mistimed a move, lost balance and both he and Isabelle crashed down to the ice.

Scores: Jason 4.0, Robin 4.0, Emma 4.5                                   TOTAL: 12.5 (7th)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

UNSPECTACULAR: Kerry needs to improve

Performed to: Disturbia

Kerry had made a solid if unspectacular start but now she had to face her biggest fear, having to start not relying on Dan all the time.  The scores seemed a tad unfair but Kerry must try harder next time otherwise she could soon slide into the danger zone.

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 3.5, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 10.0 (Joint 10th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Performed to: Always

It was a challenging week for Vanilla Ice in more ways than one.  First, he had to skate to a slower song and then when in training, he suffered a nasty fall, leaving him with a stitched-up eyebrow.  It obviously affected his confidence but still he made no silly errors on the night and that’s what counts in the end.

Scores: Jason 5.5, Robin 5.0, Emma 5.5                                   TOTAL: 16.0 (5th)

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann

Performed to: I Can See For Miles

After the skate-off scare, Dominic obviously worked harder to ensure he would stay out of it this time.  He did the best he could again but perhaps could have done a lot better, considering the environment of his competition and that many of them made silly errors.

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 4.5, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 11.0 (Joint 8th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Performed to: Whenever, Wherever

TOUGH: Laura is made of stern stuff

Laura was yet another celebrity that seemed to be buckling under the pressure.  Although most of her performance came together when it mattered most, she had an uneasy stumble into her daring ‘Wrist Ripper’ move but somehow managed to stay upright.  A tough week without doubt but she will be pleased to have got over it in one peace.

Scores: Jason 7.5, Robin 6.0, Emma 6.5                                   TOTAL: 20.0 (2nd)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Performed to: Anyone Who Had a Heart

This was Jennifer’s chance to prove she can really give true passion into a routine.  Stressful week in training didn’t help and although it was good on the night, it didn’t live up to the standard of last week.

Scores: Jason 5.5, Robin 7.0, Emma 6.0                                   TOTAL: 18.5 (4th)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Performed to: Slow

Denise didn’t really cope with last week’s routine but Sunday was meant to be better, with a slower routine.  Sadly, it didn’t work out that way and is beginning to be left behind by the rest in skating quality.

Scores: Jason 3.5, Robin 3.0, Emma 3.5                                   TOTAL: 10.0 (Joint 10th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

TOP: Sam was head and shoulders ahead again

Performed to: Crazy Little Thing Called Love

If anyone can cope with the pressure well at the moment, it certainly has to be Sam.  His already-known skills and growth in new moves once again played a huge part that left him head and shoulders above anyone else.  It is his competition to lose; surely he’ll strike 30.0 within the next few weeks.

Scores: Jason 8.5, Robin 8.5, Emma 8.0                                   TOTAL: 25.0 (1st)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Performed to: Achy Breaky Heart

Dave can’t skate, fact!  Dave can’t dance well, fact!  But he is entertaining, fact!  And that’s why he is well respected on this show.  His country-themed performance was unique for the value of the few good abilities on display.  He seems to be a big hit with everyone, even Jason Gardiner at the moment!

Scores: Jason 3.0, Robin 4.0, Emma 4.0                                   TOTAL: 11.0 (Joint 8th)

The Ice Pick

In Dancing on Ice’s brand new twist, for one week only, the stars had to decide which act would have to hang up their skates for good.  They had to choose between Jeff and Dominic, perhaps the most likely to end up in this position considering the leaderboard.

FAREWELL: It was the end of the road for Dominic & Alexandra

The celebrities voted 6-3 in favour of keeping Jeff.  Chloe, Kerry, Vanilla Ice (who decided through the art of a coin toss), Laura, Jennifer and Sam backed him whereas Dominic only won the support of Johnson, Denise and Dave.  A disappointment for Dominic but perhaps Jeff had more room for improvement and in this current phase of the competition, he badly needs it.

Next week sees the show hold its first theme night of the series as the remaining ten couples perform Vegas-style routines.  When Vegas last took place on Dancing on Ice, Stefan Booth sent favourite John Barrowman crashing out of the show in 2006, following the best ever skate-off in the competition’s history.  How will this year’s crop cope with the added ability of a theme in their performance?

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The final 12

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.

Attention will now turn to this Sunday’s show with a surprise twist.  Whatever it is, it will no doubt be designed to shake up the competition.  We will find how that will work on Sunday, and I will return next week at the same time for the week’s report.