Photo: ITV Pictures
With Strictly Come Dancing and X Factor over, you were probably wondering when your next weekend glitter fix will come from. But fear not as the new series of Dancing on Ice has kicked off, complete with a nervous bunch of celebrities hoping not to fall flat on their behind live on television!
This year, there have once again been some changes to the judging panel. Replacing Louis and Katarina are old favourites and arch nemesis’s Jason Gardener and Karen Barber who’ll no doubt be creating an icy atmosphere on the show.
They’ll be joined by head judge Robin Cousins and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts who’s seemed to have landed on her feet after escaping the I’m a celebrity jungle.
Kicking off the show was Corrie’s Samia Ghadie who has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons this week. The audience were gripped as they observed the body language between Samia and dance partner Sylvain – no doubt trying to suss whether there is any truth in their alleged love affair.
The chemistry between them seemed just right as they glided along to Rihanna’s hit ‘Diamonds.’; however frosty judge Jason didn’t seem to agree as he said it was more like “cubic zirconia darling!” Ouch!
Not surprisingly Karen seemed to disagree saying that Samia had “improved so much”. The pair scored 17.5 for their opening routine.
Up next were Keith Chegwin and his partner Ola, who skated to the song ‘Things can only get better.’ And this song rings very true for Keith as last year he had to drop out after injuring his shoulder and ribs!
New girl in town Ashley Roberts described him as a “little ball of fun and energy”, but the other judges didn’t feel that Keith’s skating was as good as his facial expressions as he only scored 15.5 points.
Olympic gymnast and world champion Beth Tweddle was up next to try and emulate her success on the ice. Teaming up with DOI favourite Daniel Wisdom, things were looking hopeful for the talented gymnast.
Whilst most of the judges thought she did amazingly well, the ever grumpy Jason stated that he was “bored to Beth!” This wasn’t enough to tarnish her scores too badly though and she received a respectable 21 points.
Eastenders hunk Matt Lapinskas stepped onto the ice next and it was clear that he had talent in the dance department. His dancing skills were incorporated into his routine and he and partner Brianne put on a dazzling performance.
Even Jason was impressed, and the former soap star shot straight to the top of the leader board with a score of 24.
Up next was singer and former X Factor champ Shayne Ward, who was probably hoping to add another reality show victory to his repertoire. Unfortunately his skating skills were not as good as his singing and judges pulled him up on his posture and footwork. He and partner Maria only managed 16 points.
Last but not least was Hollywood babe Pamela Anderson, whom everyone was most looking forward to seeing. And it seemed that Pammy wasn’t too shabby on the ice as she moved gracefully to Emelie Sande’s hit ‘Read all about it.’
Robin said it was a “good” performance and that she had a “beautiful partnership” with partner Matt. The pair scored 18.5 points, leaving them in the middle of the board.
So that’s the first 6 celebrities. The other 6 will be skating next week to win your votes. Who was your favourite?
Photos: See the star-studded line up here
Shayne Ward (ITV Pictures)
Read more here:
Dancing On Ice 2013: The New Series Kicks Off With A Bang.