Dancing on Ice has elegantly returned to television screens this year, with Joey Essex and Patsy Palmer among the stars wearing their ice skates.
Each week, the celebrity candidates work on a performance with their professional skating partner, which is then evaluated by skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as dancers Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo.
The public then votes on whose routines were inadequate, sending two talents to the skate-off.
So, who has participated in the skate-off thus far? And who has departed the programme as a result?
First elimination: John Fashanu
Former footballer John Fashanu, 60, was the first celebrity to be eliminated from the 2023 season.
After performing Eat My Goal by Collapsed Lung, John and skating professional partner Alexandra Schauman received just 19 out of 40 points from the judges, forcing them to compete in the skate-off against Ekin-Su Cülcülolu.
A second act was done by John and Alexandra to Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit In The Sky.
The judges ultimately voted to keep Ekin-Su, making John the first star to leave the ice rink for good.
After being voted out, an enthusiastic John told broadcasters Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield, ‘It’s been amazing. ‘However, whatever happens, it’s been fantastic.’
‘Oh sure!’ he joked. I’ll keep skating, and who knows, maybe I’ll start teaching others.’
Second elimination: Michelle Heaton
Michelle Heaton was the second celebrity to be fired from this year’s series.
The Liberty X singer, 43, went to the rink with professional partner Lukasz Rozycki to skate to All That Jazz from Chicago.
She did not, however, impress the judges, who gave her a score of 20.
Viewers at home were likewise unconvinced by her performance, and she garnered the fewest public votes, meaning she was eliminated immediately with no skate-off.
Speaking after the results were revealed, Michelle said: ‘I’m just really gutted. I’ve loved every second of it and I loved everything that I just did there.’
Third elimination: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Ekin-Su Cülcülolu won Love Island in 2022, but she was the third star to be voted off in 2023.
The judges gave the 28-year-old reality TV personality and partner Brendyn Hatfield just 23 points for their first performance.
She gave it her best in the skate-off against Patsy Palmer, performing to Ariana Grande’s No Tears Left To Cry.
A tearful The judges then voted Ekin-Su out, stating of her departure, ‘You invested so much effort… Despite my other professional responsibilities, this was my top priority, and I gave it my all.
‘I love it, I fell in love with the ice.’
Ekin-farewell Su’s was branded the “most emotional” in the show’s history by host Philip Schofield, who pushed the sobbing star to be “proud” of her accomplishment.
Who is still competing in Dancing on Ice 2023?
- Carley Stenson – Hollyoaks star
- Joey Essex – TV personality
- Siva Kaneswaran – The Wanted singer
- Mollie Gallagher – Coronation Street star
- Darren Harriott – Comedian
- Nile Wilson – Olympic gymnast
- The Vivienne – Drag queen
- Patsy Palmer – EastEnders star
Dancing on Ice 2023 continues Sundays on ITV1.