Dancing on Ice, ITV1, Sunday

Posted by Liberty Jones

This year's Dancing on Ice promises to be the biggest and best ever, with 13 brave celebrities risking life and limb in the hope of winning our votes. In Sunday night's opener it was the turn of the boys. First onto the ice was Holby City star Jeremy Edwards. It's always hard being first up, but Jeremy put in a confident performance – although he did look extremely relieved when it was all over. Judge Nicky Slater said he was "smooth from the off", while Ruthie Henshall praised his "lovely smile".

Next up was undercover reporter Donal MacIntyre, who reckons Dancing on Ice is the most dangerous thing he's ever done, which is really saying something, given that his day job involves wearing a bulletproof vest. Despite a shaky start, Donal was in control of partner Florentine for the whole routine – quite an achievement for a novice.

Former EastEnder Todd Carty was by far and away the weakest performer of the night, bagging a measly 7.5 points out of a possible 30 – though we couldn't help feeling outraged on his behalf when ultra-critical judge Jason Gardiner said he danced as if he'd had an "accident" in his pants. Ex-England footballer Graeme Le Saux didn't exactly set the ice on fire either – although he managed a more respectable 14.5.

One of the standout performances came from Ellery Hanley. Despite a problem distinguishing his left from his right, the former rugby league ace delivered a rousing, gung-ho performance – though partner Frankie was doing her best to distract male viewers with her super-skimpy silver hotpants and bra top. "You're the first one tonight who's really blown me away," Ruthie confessed – and the sentiment was reflected in Ellery's impressive score of 17.5.

But Ellery was left in the shade by singer Ray Quinn who, we couldn't help noticing, has developed some rather attractive pectorals since we saw him on X Factor. Ray's passion for rollerblading stood him in good stead and his high-octane routine earned him a monster score of 23.5. "You have everything we would expect to see from a finalist," the usually grumpy Jason declared, while Nicky said Ray's competence at such an early stage of the competition was "extraordinary".

The last performance of the night came from Michael Underwood, who crashed out of last year's show in week two, after breaking his ankle. Although it could be argued the GMTV presenter has an unfair advantage, it is incredibly brave of him to get back on the ice. His nerves showed during training (and, with a four-inch titanium plate in his ankle, who can blame him?), but on the night he did a thoroughly decent job, earning himself a place slap, bang in the middle of the leaderboard.

In the skate-off, it was a battle between Donal and Graeme. We were delighted the judges unanimously chose to save Donal – but he's going to have an almighty job on his hands trying to catch up with Ray who, even at this early stage in the competition, is looking pretty unassailable.

Picture: ITV

SEE ALSO:
Who'll be Dancing on Ice >>

Comments

[RadioFreePenge]

* looked your enemies in the eye

[RadioFreePenge]

Never trust a Guardian-reading footballer.

And oi, "Gardiner" - lay off Tucker Jenkins!

When you've looked your enemies in the way the way Tucker faced down Bullet Baxter, *then* you can have a pop!

[Bubbles]

Definate winner RAY, by far the best. Todd Carty utter rubbish he should have gone.

[gary]

I thought we had seen the last of John sergeant!!