Lorraine star Ria Hebden, 38, was the first star to be selected for the dreaded skate-off despite a strong score of 24.5, which placed her third on the judges’ leaderboard. However, the audience also plays a part in determining who gets through each week, and sadly Ria was not able to gain enough votes from Dancing On Ice viewers.
Tonight, the show kicked off with Strictly pro Brendan Cole, who got the highest score of the night with 30.5 marks out of 40.
Other contestants’ scores included Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt with 30, Olympic BMX rider Kye Whyte with 24, Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor with 23 and Bez from the Happy Mondays with 12.5.
The other six contestants will compete at the same time next week to determine who will face off against Ria in the bottom two.
Plenty of Dancing on Ice fans went on Twitter to share their thoughts on the outcome, with many lamenting that Ria’s fate was undeserved.
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Plenty of Ria’s pals were also quick to send in their support to the star on Twitter.
Lorraine Kelly wrote: “My beautiful @riahebden did SO well tonight. I am beyond proud – talking to her on tomorrow’s show and can’t wait!”
Ria’s All Around Britain co-star Alex Beresford tweeted: “Strong start for @riahebden on @dancingonice. This girl will give it her all every week. Can’t wait to see her journey.”
A lot of fans thought that Bez, 58, who seemed to be having a whale of a time skating around with a watermelon-shaped helmet on his head, should have been in Ria’s shoes.
Taking to Twitter, Claire42091045 fumed: “Bez getting through and not Ria… What an absolute joke. These competitions always end up being popularity contests.”
Chloe Stothers added: “I feel so sorry for Ria it’s not fair she’s in the skate off over bez, sorry fans of his but he was sh** #dancingonice just my opinion.” (sic)
Lorraine Wood threatened to boycott the show, tweeting: “Is the results a joke I love dancing on ice but that’s the biggest load of rubbish I’ve ever seen Bez or whatever his name is can’t even stay on his feet very disappointing won’t be watch it again.” (sic)
“Dancingonice bez going through what a joke – Ria in the skate off Frowning faceso wrong she was brilliant,” commented Lydia Nazareth.
Dollynoocat insisted: “I know Bez was funny but come on he was hopeless. It’s not a popularity contest it’s a skating show. He should be in the skate off #DancingOnIce.” (sic)
However, other viewers felt that Bez had brought a much-needed element to the show, with Cydney Yeats writing: “Bez deserves the Bafta for best TV moment with his whole routine tonight. ICONIC.”
“Wrong person in the skate off tonight in terms of who deserved it, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I voted for Bez for the entertainment value,” admitted Cian Frere-Smith:
Bobby Glennie added: “No giving a f*** if he’s c*** at skating or even a danger to himself and needs padded to the max… It’s Bez for the win for me.” (sic)
