Dancing On Ice viewers call show a 'fix' as favourite lands in bottom two
Viewers thought she was scored 'too low'
Dancing On Ice returned to our TV screens with an almighty bang last night (Sunday 16th January), as hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield kicked the 2023 series off with style and glamour.
Whilst only half of this year's brave celebs took to the ice to perform, it appears the show has been hit with a fix storm early on, as viewers were left fuming when Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was given 'very low scores'.
Ekin-Su performed alongside pro skater Brendyn Hatfield in what was described by Holly as the 'sexiest ever skate', as she recreated her iconic Love Island villa crawl on the ice to Britney Spears' 'Toxic'.
Following the routine, Ekin-Su was given an overall score of 21.5, with Chris and Jayne dishing out 5s, Ashley Banjo gifting a 5.5, and Oti Mabus scoring her a 6.
Despite the low score, Ekin-Su found herself ahead of both Patsy Palmer and Michelle Heaton on the leaderboard, but after the public vote she discovered she'd be in next weekend's skate-off.
Clearly not happy by the result, viewers were quick to express their anger and annoyance on social media.
One wrote: 'I thought Ekin-Su's performance deserved a bit of a higher score', with another adding: 'I thought Ekin-Su was fantastic, harsh scores if you ask me'. (sic)
Another added: 'I’m sorry but what the hell. Ekin-Su was brilliant. Should not be in the skate off! At least she performed!', with a fourth writing: 'Omg this is completely wrong I thought she was the top 2 this week'.
A fifth then commented: '100% rigged to get the viewers to tune in next week too!' (sic)
Check out all of this year's Dancing On Ice contestants below:
Nile Wilson
Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson revealed the exciting news that he had joined the Dancing On Ice line-up on his YouTube channel, where he said: "I'm going to be on ITV's Dancing on Ice! This is a really cool thing. I've certainly not done much ice-skating but I am so excited for the opportunity. I'm so excited to get into that routine and to feel like an athlete again."
Joey Essex
Reality TV legend Joey Essex is feeling very competitive after signing up! He said on This Morning: "I would love to win. I'm going to put all my energy into this. This stage in my life, I'm so ready for this."
The Vivienne
RuPaul Drag Race UK series one winner The Vivienne has also signed up for the show, writing on social media: 'I'm beyond excited to announce that I will be competing in Dancing on Ice in 2023! This is honestly a dream come true and I can't wait to start training on the ice. To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is truly an honour. I think it's a big step forward for queer representation on TV.'
Mollie Gallagher - ELIMINATED
Coronation Street actress Mollie Gallagher will be taking to the ice this winter. She announced that she had joined the show while on Lorraine, where she said: "I'm really excited. I've not really felt nervous yet, strangely. But being here today, I am now feeling it a little bit!"
She added that she will be seeking advice from her Coronation Street co-stars, saying: "I'll be getting all the tips I can because I'm going to need it!"
Siva Kaneswaran - ELIMINATED
The Wanted singer Siva Kaneswaran completes the line-up. He told Good Morning Britain: "I'm very excited. I'm trying to be positive and not be in a fearful mindset! I'm looking forward to meeting all the cast. I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see and hopefully not make a fool of myself!"
Carley Stenson - ELIMINATED
Former Hollyoaks actress Carley said of joining the line-up: "I'm so excited that I get to learn how to dance...on ice! I'm terrified but can't wait - I just want to make the most of this whole experience."
Darren Harriott - ELIMINATED
Comedian Darren revealing the news to Trisha Goddard on Talk TV, Darren said: "I've got giant feet, I don't skate and I can't dance! My family has already made bets - they're making bets that I'll fall on the first episode!"
Patsy Palmer - ELIMINATED
50-year-old Patsy Palmer has joined the 2023 series, she's best known for her portrayal of Bianca Jackson in EastEnders. She said: "I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone. I thought 'I'll just go for it' and it seems like a lot of fun.
"My pact that I made with myself when I was 50 was I have to do things to challenge myself for the next couple of years. This is for all the 50 year-olds out there that think they can't challenge themselves!"
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu - ELIMINATED
Love Island fans were over the moon when 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was announced! Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ekin-Su said: "I've got some amazing news to tell you, I'm going to be doing this year's Dancing on Ice! I'm so excited, I can't wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!"
Michelle Heaton - ELIMINATED
Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton was the 10th celeb to be announced. Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, she said: "I'm so excited - I can't believe it. Me and the kids are such huge fans of the show in general. I've always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago, so I'm really truly grateful that I've got it this year when I'm a lot stronger."
John Fashanu - ELIMINATED
Former footballer turned TV host John Fashanu was the second celeb to be announced for the 2023 series, with the 60-year-old saying: "I'm so excited to be a part of Dancing on Ice! I don't think it'll come as a surprise to people that I'm very competitive - I am definitely in it to win it. And this may be one of the scariest things I've ever signed up for but I couldn't be more ready for the challenge!"
Speaking to Holly and Phillip following the news, Ekin-Su said: "I’m just sad but it’s fine. Keep going. I’ve been really ill as well and I know it’s not an excuse but…"
When asked what they have in store for next weekend skate-off, Ekin-Su's skating partner Brendyn said: "Just confidence, we can add a little bit more to our skate-off and just make it the strongest version we can."
Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night on ITV1 and ITVX.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2023
Dancing On Ice: A recap of the 2022 series
All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date