It’s been seven years since Dancing On Ice was on screens – but it seemed like the daredevil reality show had never been away on Sunday night, as the 10th series premiered.
With hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield firmly back where they belonged, 12 new celebrities took the ice for a live performance, kicking off a 10-week series.
Proving his prowess on the ice was Jake Quickenden, who immediately shot to the top of the leaderboard after an impressive first performance with partner Vanessa Bauer, while baker Candice Brown fell flat after an ‘anxious’ first try.
They’re back! Holly Willoughby (left) and Phillip Schofield (right) returned for the 10th series of Dancing On Ice on Sunday night
Coronation Street actor Anthony Cotton – best known for playing Sean Tully – opened the exciting launch show in a confident fashion – but was quickly cut down by returning judge Jason Gardiner.
With a score of 3, 4, 4.5 and 4 out of 40, Anthony was thrilled with his dance to Club Tropicana, which he dedicated to his late friend Gaz.
Anthony burst into tears as he paid tribute to his friend, who he lost in 2017, but high emotions didn’t stop relentless Jason from a cutting critique.
The judging panel looked all new on Sunday night, with Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Jason and Ashley Banjo completing the line-up.
Daredevils: 12 new contestants were brave enough to take the ice in the live launch on Sunday
The new line-up: Dancer Ashley Banjo (left) completed a judging panel line-up with (from left) Jason Garidner, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
Cheeky chappy: Jason was sharp-tongued from the offset, telling each of the contestants exactly what he really thought
Sharp suitor: After four years away, the return of Jason wasn’t going to be an easy ride for the contestants
In a new role: Banned from dancing on the rink this year, Jayne and Christopher were in a judging role this time
Club Tropicana drinks are free…: Anthony Cotton was the first celebrity out on the ice on Sunday evening
Popular routine: The Coronation Street star was a popular first act and delivered a high energy dance
‘Were you [meant to be] a waiter or a Giglo?’ Jason asked Anthony. When Anthony replied with a witty retort about drinks, Jason said: ‘If I’d had a drink, you would have looked better…’
He was also quite scathing when it came to the second dancer of the evening, Candice Brown, who is best known for winning The Great British Bake Off.
In no uncertain terms, he told her that she had to lose her ‘anxiety’ on the rink, and she was awarded a total score of 13/40 from the panel.
He said: ‘You started off with all of the right ingredients, the arms were brilliant and then they turned into spatulas. You’re still joining the dots in your head, it’s still not seamless.’
Next up was Jake Quickenden and his partner Vanessa Bauer, who is a new professional to the reality series in 2018.
Oh dear: Jason was also quite scathing when it came to the second dancer of the evening, Candice Brown, who is best known for winning The Great British Bake Off
Confessing his hopes he may finally win a reality show after failed stints on The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity, Jake hinted he may be a success on the ice as he was seen gliding across the rink during training.
However Jake certainly proved his prowess when he hit the ice during the live show – performing an impressive array of twirls and even a moonwalk on the ice, to Olly Murs’ pop hit Wrapped Up.
Effortlessly gliding around the rink with Vanessa, the hunk finished his routine with an impressive split side, which saw him drag his partner through his legs.
The playful varsity-themed routine went down a storm with judges – with champions Jane and Chris scoring a huge 6 and 5.5 respectfully, while Ashley gave a five and notoriously harsh Jason a four.
Jane commented: ‘I’m really impressed but you got it together and it got better as it went on. I think there’s a lot more to come from you!’
While Chris joked: ‘Jake Quick-and-den-some! You were very confident out there’ and Ashley claimed the star made his performance ‘look easy’.
Jason then deemed him one to watch, adding: ‘I have to say Jake I’m very impressed overall. You had great energy, and real power all over, but you fluctuated between moments of delight and some more shaky.’
Ouch! Candice took a number of tumbles during rehearsal – but was determined to perform her routine without a hitch
Good effort: However she was told by Jason that her hands were like ‘spatulas’ and she had to lose her ‘anxiety’ on the rink, and she was awarded a total score of 13/40 from the panel
Track and field athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton was next, who confessed she hopes to ‘surprise’ people with her grace and elegance on the ice.
Taking to the stage in a glittering form-fitting bodysuit, the sportswoman had audiences captivated as she performed a number of seamless poses and spins on the ice with her partner Hamish.
No stranger to competition as a track and field athlete, Perri showed no signs of nerves – beaming and performing for the crowd, before ending her routine with a smooth and stunning spin lift.
Her efforts were certainly not missed by the judges – scoring 20/40, with the commentator even branding her a ‘machine’ and Phil joking she was ‘Perri Perri good!’
Ashley, who gave the lowest score of 4.5, said: ‘You are strong, powerful, everything I’d expect, but I want to see more character the whole way through and it will elevate it.’
However Jason disagreed, stating: ‘You had such intensity and then when your face exploded with that smile! I love this partnership and I love what you’re doing. Keep it up!’
Closing the show was an exciting group performance – which saw the celebrities hitting the ice next week perform a playful routine, complete with cane props, to Elton John’s I’m Still Standing.
Clad in colourful suits, Donna Air, Cheryl Baker, Alex Beresford, Lemar, Max Evans and Brooke Vincent looked to be having a ball as they sped around the rink in a conga line with their partners, before they dramatically threw themselves onto the floor in the big finale.
After seeing a first glimpse of the stars in their skates, Jane tipped Max and his confidence for success, while Jason claimed Cheryl had the most work to do, as she was the most ‘tentative’ on the ice.
However, the Bucks Fizz star simply quipped with a laugh: ‘Can you tell?!’ before adding: ‘I love you Jason!’
Dynamic duo: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield returned as hosts, after fronting the original series between 2006 and 2011
Playful: During the show, Holly and Phil referenced the viral advert for the show, which featured polar bears and proved more popular than the Christmas advert for John Lewis and Marks & Spencer
During the show, Holly and Phil referenced the viral advert for the show, which featured polar bears and proved more popular than the Christmas advert for John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
They said that the only thing the show was missing was ‘polar bears’.
‘If there’s anything we’re more qualified to do, it’s Dancing On Ice,’ said Torvill and Dean, though it’s been widely reported that the duo are this year banned from the rink.
The Olympic medal winning figure skaters complained that they had not been insured to perform on this year’s show and would instead be giving their advice.
Ashley Banjo joined the judging panel from his show-winning role on Britain’s Got Talent in the dancing troupe Diversity.
But all eyes were on hostess Holly, who looked stunning in a plunging Grecian-style gown which flashed her ample cleavage.
Brand new: Holly and Phil teased fans with a glimpse at the show 10 years after it ended its run
Busty: All eyes were on co-host Holly as she wowed in the first clip from the Dancing On Ice set ahead of the show’s launch
Hotly anticipated: Dancing On Ice will make its triumphant return to television screens tonight, with 12 new celebrities taking to the rink
The dress featured an elegant halterneck top with the neckline plunging to the star’s toned waist.
Her blonde tresses were styled in an elegant updo with softly curled strands framing her face while her pretty features were highlighted with a light dusting of make-up.
In a teaser clip for the episode, a smiling Holly told audiences: ‘The wait is nearly over.’
Phillip added: ‘Tonight we go live with 12 brand new celebrities, four legendary judges, and one all new ice arena supercharged for 2018.’
Plunging: The 36-year-old presenter looked stunning as she went braless in a plunging Grecian-style gown which flashed her ample cleavage as she spoke with co-host Phillip Schofield, 55
Radiant: Her blonde tresses were styled in an elegant updo with softly curled strands framing her face while her pretty features were highlighted with a light dusting of make-up
Cute: Holly bundled up as she posed with her cute cat before she headed to the Dancing on Ice studios
Holly said: ‘The greatest show on ice is back, and you won’t want to miss it.’
Stars of the show were seen heading to the final rehearsals ahead of the launch.
Rugby star Max Evans, 34, looked slightly nervous as he left his hotel clad in a navy blue shirt, quilted jacket and skinny jeans.
Bundling up for the cold temperatures of the rink, he covered his head with a white and blue woollen hat and finished his look with trainers as he carried a lilac furry jacket out.
Anticipation: Rugby star Max Evans, 34, looked slightly nervous as he left his hotel clad in a navy blue shirt, quilted jacket and skinny jeans ahead of his first performance on the ice
Wrapping up: Bundling up for the cold temperatures of the rink, he covered his head with a white and blue woollen hat and finished his look with trainers as he carried a lilac furry jacket out
Good luck: The star cracked a quick smile as he headed out to the studios
Olympic athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton, 29, wrapped up in a powder blue hoodie , blue joggers and a cream coat as she wheeled her suitcase out.
Her raven tresses were styled into an elegant bun while she opted for simple make-up to enhance her gorgeous features.
Kem Cetinay’s pro partner Alex Murphy, 29,looked glamorous in a furry trimmed leather jacket and quilted scarf as she carried a teddy bear to her car.
She wore her blonde tresses in a high bun and accentuated her features with fluttery lashes and red lipstick.
The star also drew the eye to her toned pins in leggings and Ugg boots.
Smile: Olympic athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton, 29, wrapped up in a powder blue hoodie , blue joggers and a cream coat as she wheeled her suitcase out
En-route: Her raven tresses were styled into an elegant bun while she opted for simple make-up to enhance her gorgeous features
Glamorous: Kem Cetinay’s pro partner Alex Murphy, 29,looked glamorous in a furry trimmed leather jacket and quilted scarf as she carried a teddy bear to her car
Happy: She wore her blonde tresses in a high bun and accentuated her features with fluttery lashes and red lipstick
The appearance came a day after it was claimed that several Dancing On Ice stars had reportedly been struck down with a ‘killer flu’ just hours before the live show launch.
Bake Off’s Candice Brown, Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring and Good Morning Britain weatherman Alex Beresford are allegedly hitting the flu remedies in a desperate bid to get better.
The rumoured health crisis is the latest in a series of upsets for the rebooted ITV skating competition – sparking rumours the show could be cursed.
Oh dear: Bake Off star Candice Brown (pictured with pro skater Matt Evers) has reportedly been struck down by ‘killer flu’ just hours before the Dancing On Ice live launch – alongside a series of other stars
It comes as official photos showed the first six celebrities posing with their professional partners ahead of their appearance on Sunday night’s show.
Kem Cetinay, Jake Quickenden, Stephanie Waring, Antony Cotton, Candice Brown and Perri Shakes-Drayton dusted off their skates for the glittering shoot.
The celebrities looked utterly prepared to hit the rink for the revamped skating competition, which was axed in 2014 due to lagging ratings.
Candice, Stephanie and Alex may be suffering however, as the Daily Star reports the trio are feeling desperately under the weather.
MailOnline has contacted a Dancing On Ice spokesperson for comment.
Feeling under the weather? Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring, 39, (pictured with partner Sylvain Longchambon) was also rumoured to be feeling peaky
The flu rumours come amid a string of mishaps for the show – as earlier in the week part of the Hemel Hampstead set was blown away by Storm Eleanor and had to be rebuilt.
Meanwhile, cricketer Monty Panesar was forced to pull out of the show just before Christmas after fracturing his ankle during training – with bosses drafting in singer Lemar to replace him.
Lemar was first rumoured to be appearing on the show on Tuesday, which a source telling The Sun: ‘Monty suffered a nasty fall during training and has badly injured his ankle. It’s a quite serious fracture and he’s out of the competition.
Curse: The flu rumours come amid claims the show is cursed after a series of mishaps – including Kem Cetinay’s split from girlfriend Amber Davies right after he signed onto the show (pictured with skater Alex Murphy
Feeling the pressure? X Factor star Jake Quickenden posed alongside his 21-year-old pro partner Vanessa Bauer ahead of their appearance in Sunday’s show
In the romantic side of things, Love Island star Kem Cetinay split with his girlfriend of five months Amber Davies just after he signed up for the show.
A source told the publication: ‘There is clearly some kind of curse going on here.’
The show was previuosly plagued with a series of alarming injuries, as celebrities risked their safety to get ahead in the competition.
Past injuries include Keith Chegwin breaking his shoulder and cracking his ribs; Jennifer Ellison cutting her head open with her own skate and Samia Ghadie popping one of her ribs out.
Loving life: Athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton and Hamish Gaman didn’t show any sign of pre-show nerves as they posed gleefully in the official photoshoot
Confident: Coronation street star Antony Cotton, 42, looked the picture of confidence beside his partner Brandee Malto
Next week, the following six celebrities Cheryl Baker, Max Evans, Brooke Vincent, Lemar, Donna Air and Alex Beresford will take to the ice.
No one will leave on Sunday’s show, and the first skate will take place Sunday after everyone has skated.
Dancing on Ice returns on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.
Devastating: Cricketer Monty Panesar was forced to pull out of the show just before Christmas after fracturing his ankle during training – with bosses drafting in singer Lemar to replace him