Strictly's Brendan Cole wows with 'best first performance ever'

Dancing On Ice 2022: Strictly’s Brendan Cole tops the leaderboard with ‘best first performance ever’ despite pro dancer backlash – as TV presenter Ria Hebden lands in the skate off during show launch

The former Strictly pro, 45, and his professional partner, 25, were awarded a total of 30.5 points out of 40
Following his impressive performance some viewers moaned that he has a professional dance background
Brendan’s former Strictly co-star Oti Mabuse made her debut on the Dancing On Ice judging panel
Six couples competed during the launch show with Happy Monday’s Bez landing bottom of the leaderboard
Despite finishing mid table TV presenter Ria Hebden found herself in next week’s skate off

Brendan Cole impressed the judges with the ‘best first performance ever’ as he topped the leaderboard with a total of 30.5 out of 40 points during the Dancing On Ice launch on Sunday night.

Although the former Strictly pro, 45, and his partner Vanessa Bauer achieved an incredible score for his first routine, he received some backlash online has many viewers pointed out his professional dancer background.

While it was a successful evening for the New Zealand-born ballroom dancer, it was a different story for TV presenter Ria Hebden and partner Łukasz Różycki, who landed in the skate off after securing 24.5 points.

Wow! Brendan Cole impressed the judges with the ‘best first performance ever’ as he topped the leaderboard with a total of 30.5 out of 40 points during the Dancing On Ice launch on Sunday night

Brendan’s former co-star Oti Mabuse , 31, made her judging debut on the panel during the first show of 2022, after John Barrowman was sacked over allegations of flashing on the set of Doctor Who.

Phillip Schofield welcomed newcomer Oti to the judging panel, as she entered the rink wearing a stunning red gown before taking her place alongside Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvil and Christopher Dean.

Oti made quite the entrance in a busty ruffled Chanel dress which was cinched around her trim waist and featured busty dress with a bow detail.

Oh no! While it was a successful evening for the New Zealand-born ballroom dancer, it was a different story for TV presenter Ria Hebden who landed in the skate off after securing 24.5 points

Welcome! His former co-star Oti Mabuse , 31, made her judging debut on the panel during the first show of 2022, after John Barrowman was sacked over allegations of flashing on the set of Doctor Who

She boosted her height with sparkly heels and wore a diamond necklace and wore her auburn tresses in soft waves as she strutted onto the ice rink to join her fellow judges.

This comes after Oti revealed she is planning to continue with Strictly Come Dancing ‘one season at a time’ following speculation that she will quit the show after seven series.

She’s also made it clear that Brendan Cole, her former co-star on the BBC One show, certainly won’t be getting any special treatment as a contestant on the famous rink.

Siren: The star was every inch the leading lady as she appeared on the show

Leggy: She boosted her height with sparkly heels and wore a diamond necklace

Smile: Oti took her place on the judging panel alongside Ashley Banjo

Yay: Oti also joined skating icons Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

The troop of professional skaters kicked off the night with a performance to Snaps’ Rhythm Is A Dancer while hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield rejoiced over the return of an audience, after they stripped back the show last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new series of Dancing On Ice kicked off with six couples taking to the ice rink during the first week trying to impress the judges.

While there are a total of 12 couples hoping to skate to the finale, only six competed this week during the launch night, including Happy Mondays’ Bez and Angela Egan, Brendan Cole and Vanessa Bauer and Sally Dynevor and Matt Evers.

Woo! Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield rejoiced over the return of an audience, after they stripped back the show last year due to the coronavirus pandemic

Also showing off their skating prowess was Ria Hebden and Łukasz Różycki, Kye Whyte and Tippy Packard and Pussycat Dolls’ Kimberly Wyatt and Mark Hanretty.

Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole was the first to take to the rink alongside his professional partner Vanessa Bauer as they performed to Ram Jam’s Black Betty.

The show got off to a flying start receiving a total of 30.5 out of 40, he was given 7.5 points by Ashley, 8 from Oti, while Jayne and Chris both offered 7.5.

They’re back! The troop of professional skaters kicked off the night with a performance to Snaps’ Rhythm Is A Dancer

Showing off: The pros showed the celebrities how it’s done with their first performance

Chris told Brendan: ‘Best first performance by a celebrity in all 14 series. Tonight it was on form, you were strength, strong, superior and masculine. What I really appreciate is that you’re really getting into the ice.’

Defending his professional dancer ability, he added: ‘He’s learned to skate, which enables to show off him his dancing ability.’

Ashley added: ‘As someone who could dance before I could skate, they are completely different worlds.’

Game on! Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole was the first to take to the rink alongside his professional partner Vanessa Bauer as they performed to Ram Jam’s Black Betty

Scores on the doors: The show got off to a flying start receiving a total of 30.5 out of 40, he was given 7.5 points by Ashley, 8 from Oti, while Jayne and Chris both offered 7.5

Defending his professional skater ability, he added: ‘He’s learned to skate, which enables to show off him his dancing ability’

One person said: I know it’s ice skating but the show is called Dancing On Ice so why, yet again have they put a professional dancer in Brendal Cole on as a contestant?’

Many viewers picked up on Brendan’s dancing past and took to Twitter to air their grievance following his incredible performance on the ice.

One person said: I know it’s ice skating but the show is called Dancing On Ice so why, yet again have they put a professional dancer in Brendal Cole on as a contestant?

‘Saw it with James Jordan. How is a novice meant to compete with someone as agile? Reeks of one-horse race.’

Another said: ‘Won’t Brendan Cole have an unfair advantage on Dancing On Ice, what with him being a pro dancer ‘n all that?’

A third agreed, saying: ‘Brendan Cole?? That’s a bit unfair he’s already a dancer like the other Strictly pro who won it. Won’t be watching it’s rubbish anyway.’

Reaction: Many viewers picked up on Brendan’s dancing past and took to Twitter to air their grievance following his incredible performance on the ice

Next up was Sally Dynevor, who admitted earlier in the week that she had been struggling with her nerves and was having trouble sleeping in the run up to Sunday’s launch.

Sally – who has played Sally Webster on Corrie since 1986 – told This Morning’s Holly and Phil she had been struggling to let go of her skate partner Matt Evers’ hand, saying ‘it’s just too terrifying’.

LEADERBOARD

She said: ‘My real problem is the confidence thing. I am struggling with my confidence. I’m just hoping that as this journey goes along, if I get the opportunity, I’ll find a little bit more confidence every week. I just need to get through Sunday night.’

Sally – who performed to Fyfe Dangerfield’s She’s Always A Woman with her partner Matt Evers – suffered a small wobble during the show but it wasn’t reflected in her healthy score of 23 out of 40.

She was awarded 5.5 by Ashley, 6.5 by Oti and Jayne and Chris both gave her 5.5.

Jayne: ‘Your techique is really good, what you should do is just believe in yourself and have confidence.’

Chris complemented their connection on the ice and admitted he almost scored slightly higher until she suffered the stumble on the ice during their routine.

Kye Whyte made his debut alongside professional skater Tippy Packard to Dizzy Rascal’s Bonkers.

He received a total of 24 out of 40 after being awarded 6 points by Ashley, 5.5 by Oti, 6 from Jayne and 6.5 from Chris. Holly told Kye he ‘exploded’ on the ice, but Kye admitted he was really scared while performing.

Ashley said: ‘Who rides a BMX on ice skates with a firework on the back? The technique is there, you’ve obviously put the hours in, but you need to work on the performace, what your doing with your face.’

Dipped: Next up was Sally Dynevor, who admitted earlier in the week that she had been struggling with her nerves and was having trouble sleeping in the run up to Sunday’s launch

Glam: Sally – who has played Sally Webster on Corrie since 1986 – told This Morning’s Holly and Phil she had been struggling to let go of her skate partner Matt Evers’ hand, saying ‘it’s just too terrifying’

Bez performed to his own song Step On [Happy Mondays], but only managed to achieve 12.5 out of 40.

He was given Ashley 3, Oti 3.5, Jayne 3, Chris, 3.

Following the scores, Phillip told Bez he was the ‘only person we’ve had come out onto the ice wearing a crash helmet’, adding: ‘Because we’re protecting your melon man’.

When quizzed on how much padding he was wearing, Bez said: ‘I’ve got helmet, back brace, padding and most importantly of all – protecting my maracas.’

Some people think I’m bonkers! Kye Whyte made his debut alongside professional skater Tippy Packard to Dizzy Rascal’s Bonkers

Scores: He received a total of 24 out of 40 after being awarded 6 points by Ashley, 5.5 by Oti, 6 from Jayne and 6.5 from Chris. Holly told Kye he ‘exploded’ on the ice, but Kye admitted he was really scared while performing

Chris said: ‘Skating is hard, you’ve shown how hard it is. You’ve got a mark for turning up, standing up and a mark for that jump.’

Ashley said: ‘You’ve got my respect, if anyone needed to wear a crash helmet – I don’t think they’d come out. But you have. Forgot the scores I was genuienly entertained.’

Lorraine fashionista Ria Hebden joined professional skating partner Łukasz Różycki for their first routine of the series to Harry Styles’ Treat People With Kindness.

You’re twisting my melon man! Bez performed to his own song Step On [Happy Mondays], but only managed to achieve 12.5 out of 40. He was given Ashley 3, Oti 3.5, Jayne 3, Chris, 3

Chris said: ‘Skating is hard, you’ve shown how hard it is. You’ve got a mark for turning up, standing up and a mark for that jump’

Ashley said: ‘You’ve got my respect, if anyone needed to wear a crash helmet – I don’t think they’d come out. But you have. Forgot the scores I was genuienly entertained’

Holly declared that Ria had got off to a great start after achieving 24.5 out of 40. She was given 6 points by Ashley, 6 points by Oti, 6.5 by Jayne and Chris gave her 6 points.

Oti complemented her ‘infectious energy’ and told her she is no doubt about to have the best journey ever.

Hot on Brendan’s tails was Pussycat Doll Kimberley Wyatt performed to What About Us? by Pink with her professional partner Mark Hanretty.

What a shame! Lorraine fashionista Ria Hebden joined professional skating partner Łukasz Różycki for their first routine of the series to Harry Styles’ Treat People With Kindness

Mid table: Holly declared that Ria had got off to a great start after achieving 24.5 out of 40. She was given 6 points by Ashley, 6 points by Oti, 6.5 by Jayne and Chris gave her 6 points

Oh no! In the bottom two was Sally and Ria, before the presenters announced that Ria would face an unknown celebrity and their partner in the skate off next week

The scores she received were; Ashley 7.5, Oti 8, Jayne 7, Chris, 7.5 – 30.

Following another performance from the professional skaters, Holly and Phil revealed which pairings would be making it through to next week’s show.

In the bottom two was Sally and Ria, before the presenters announced that Ria would face an unknown celebrity and their partner in the skate off next week.

Second place: Hot on Brendan’s tails was Pussycat Doll Kimberley Wyatt performed to What About Us? by Pink with her professional partner Mark Hanretty

Impressive: The scores she received were; Ashley 7.5, Oti 8, Jayne 7, Chris, 7.5 – 30

This Morning favourites Holly and Phillip returned as hosts of the ice extravaganza and the presenter shared a sneak peek at her look earlier in the evening.

Holly, 40, posted a picture in her strapless ice blue Susanne Nevilel gown, which hugged her curves and highlighted her incredible physique as she posed for the picture.

Susanne Neville is a favourite designer of Holly’s and she is regularly spotted wearing her dresses both on the Dancing On Ice rink and at glitzy showbiz events and parties.

Fierce: Following another performance from the professional skaters, Holly and Phil revealed which pairings would be making it through to next week’s show

In with a chance! Ria will compete next week to stay in the competition

Holly wore her cropped platinium blonde locks in glamorous curls and accentuated her pretty features with a natural pallet of make-up, while simply accessorising with glitzy stud earrings.

She captioned the stunning shot: ‘And we’re back… Dancing On Ice 2022 see you on ITV at 6:30pm.

Her co-host Phillip, 59, also teased their return to the ice earlier in the day, as he shared a snap of the presenting duo during rehearsals.

Stunning: Holly, 40, posted a picture in her strapless ice blue Susanne Nevilel gown, which hugged her curves and highlighted her incredible physique as she posed for the picture

She captioned the stunning shot: ‘And we’re back… Dancing On Ice 2022 see you on ITV at 6:30pm.’

Phillip was wrapped up in a black padded joke as he flashed a broad smile for the camera, while Holly stood behind him in a jumper and checked coat.

He captioned the image: ‘Back at the rink.’

New judge Oti revealed she is planning to continue with Strictly Come Dancing ‘one season at a time’ following speculation that she will quit the show after seven series.

The ballroom professional, 31, made her debut on the judging panel during Sunday night’s show-stopping return, after John Barrowman was axed over historic allegations of flashing his manhood whilst filming Doctor Who.

She’s also made it clear that Brendan Cole, her former co-star on the BBC One show, certainly won’t be getting any special treatment as a contestant on the famous rink.

Gorgeous: Oti Mabuse revealed she will continue with Strictly ‘one season at a time’ while juggling her Dancing On Ice judging duties

Having announced in April 2021 that she would make last year’s series of Strictly her final one, she told The Sun: ‘I don’t know why I said that, but I will take it a season at a time. I don’t know what came over me.’

Going on to claim that it’s been ‘the best part of her career’, she added that she changed her mind after returning to the famous studio, ‘walking onto that floor and seeing your whole family’ where there’s ‘so much love and passion’.

Oti is set to come face-to-face again with her fellow Strictly pro Brendan, who was reportedly sacked from the reality show in 2017 following a series of feuds with the judges over their feedback.

Uh oh: Oti is set to come face-to-face again with her fellow Strictly pro Brendan Cole, who was ‘sacked’ from the reality show in 2017 following a series of feuds with the judges over their feedback (pictured in 2018)

Claiming her pal will be a calmer contestant, Oti said: ‘Brendan is such a big character, but I won’t be biased. He’s got one of the best professional skaters in Vanessa [Bauer], so there’s this expectation that he’s going to be amazing.’

She went on to claim she doesn’t think he will argue with the judges since he’s ‘grown up’ and ‘will be learning the new skill’ rather than ‘defending his partner’.

Oti, who joined Strictly in 2015 when she was partnered with Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo, 33, revealed BBC bosses ‘congratulated’ her after she landed the ITV job.

Oh dear: The ballroom professional, 31, will make her debut on the Dancing On Ice judging panel during Sunday night’s show-stopping return, after John Barrowman was axed over historic allegations of flashing his manhood whilst filming Doctor Who (pictured in 2021)

Concerning her future at Strictly, she told MailOnline: ‘There will be an announcement that will be made later. But for me as a person in entertainment, I really want to learn and grow and I want a long career, especially in this country.

‘I moved all the way from Africa so I must make something of myself so I am really trying to learn and do as much as I can for as long as I can, while I can.

‘I have done a couple of panel shows but I have been a dance captain and a dance detective, but I have never been said to be a judge.

‘I want a long career’: Oti, who joined Strictly in 2015, revealed BBC bosses ‘congratulated’ her after she landed the ITV job (pictured, centre-left, in January 2022 with Ashley Banjo, 33, far-left, along with Jayne Torvill, 64, centre-right, and Christopher Dean, far-right)

‘I love competition and I love watching people learn new skills and try to get better every single week.

‘It is a journey that I absolutely enjoy, to be a part of, and watch. To know that I am doing it now with ice-skating is very exciting for me. I can’t wait, I am buzzing.’

Strictly judge Motsi, 40, has been guiding younger sister Oti’s career and giving her tips on how to become a top TV judge.

Oti, who won the Glitterball trophy for two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56, said: ‘We are really close my sister and I and we know that we are quite loud and bubbly and her advice to me was just to be myself.

‘Everyone from the BBC who congratulated me said the same thing. They said be yourself, be honest, say what you see and say what you feel and say how you hope they would improve and better themselves.

‘At the end of the day it’s about the celebrities and the show and helping them get better to actually win.’

Oti made her judging debut in 2019 alongside Cheryl Tweedy, 38, in BBC One series The Greatest Dancer but her switch to ITV show The Masked Dancer impressed bosses, eventually leading to her role of judge on Dancing On Ice.

The dancer was also recently revealed as the host of new ITV show Romeo & Duet, telling her Instagram followers this week: ‘My heart is just full with excitement and joy about this announcement.’

Dancing on Ice continues Sunday at 6:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub

Dancing On Ice 2022: Who are the celebrities?

KYE WHYTE

Age: 22

Profession: Olympics BMX rider

Kye says: ‘I’d love to see if I can make the final because I’m very competitive.’

RACHEL STEVENS

Age: 43

Profession: Singer

Rachel says: ‘It now feels really real, this is really happening. I’m so excited, obviously really nervous.’

LIBERTY POOLE

Age: 22

Profession: Love Island star

Liberty says: ‘I ice skate as a hobby sometimes so I can get around the rink but I can’t do any tricks’

STEF REID

Age: 36

Profession: Paralympian

Stef says: ‘I’m going to be a contestant on Dancing on Ice and it’s a little bit scary but I cannot wait!’

REGAN GASCOIGNE

Age: 26

Profession: Singer

Regan says: ‘I love dancing but it’s the skill of this. I’ve always wanted to do it. Always! Ever since I was a kid!’

KIMBERLY WYATT

Age: 39

Profession: Pussycat Dolls singer

Kimberly says: ‘I’m just excited to see what I can do on there. I’m up for a challenge!’

BRENDAN COLE

Age: 45

Profession: Dancer

Brendan says: ‘I’ve known I’d be doing the show for quite some time and I want to get started, I’m so excited to be on the show.’

BEN FODEN

Age: 36

Profession: Rugby player

Ben says: ‘I like the idea of learning a new sport and a new skill. I’m quite competitive as well.’

SALLY DYNEVOR

Age: 58

Profession: Coronation Street actress

Sally says: ‘This is a massive challenge. I’m so scared! I’ve just got to take every opportunity I get.’

BEZ

Age: 57

Profession: Happy Mondays

Bez says: ‘I’m always up for a challenge and am already in training on the ice.’

RIA HEBDEN

Age: 36

Profession: Presenter

Ria says: ‘It will be brilliant to learn a new scary skill.’

CONNOR BALL

Age: 25

Profession: The Vamps bassist

Connor says: ‘I’m excited obviously but I’m really nervous. I’m quite clumsy, accident prone.’

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