Dancing On Ice viewers have hit out at the ITV talent show for being ‘fixed’ after Nile Wilson won during Sunday night’s finale.
The former Olympic gymnast, 27, broke down in tears as he joined his professional partner Olivia Smart in lifting the glittering trophy, after wowing viewers with his jaw-dropping version of the iconic Bolero skate.
But fans of the programme slammed the verdict, as they took to Twitter to claim it was ‘unfair’.
One wrote: ‘Nile is amazing but has abig advantage #DancingOnIce,’ while another asked, ‘Is this a gymnast show or what #DancingOnIce.’
A third chimed in with, ‘Yeah Nile is a great skater but you can’t tell me he doesn’t have an unfair advantage #DancingOnIce.’
‘You can’t say he doesn’t have an unfair advantage!’ Dancing On Ice viewers have hit out at the ITV talent show for being ‘fixed’ after Nile Wilson won during Sunday night’s finale
Woohoo! The former Olympic gymnast, 27, broke down in tears as he joined his professional partner Olivia Smart in lifting the glittering trophy
Somebody else penned, ‘Okay but is that not an unfair advantage though because he does all those stunts for a living anyway? #DancingOnIce.’
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
Nile beat out Joey Essex and The Vivienne in the grand final.
Getting emotional, the sportsman said: ‘I just want to say, 11 human beings proved we could do anything if you put your mind to something and work hard, you can achieve anything.’
Runner-up Joey added: ‘I missed a few steps but it was the best time of my life, well done to Nile and Olivia’
Nile follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner Regan Gascoigne, who won Dancing On Ice 2022 alongside his partner Karina Manta.
The Vivienne and Colin Grafton came in third place during the final – leaving Nile and Joey skating the iconic Bolero.
Nile was up first with an elegant performance and said at the end: ‘I can’t believe I got emotional’.
Joey then took to the ice and gave an emotional performance, with judge Chris saying: ‘You have come so far’ but pointed out a few missteps.
Fuming: But fans of the programme slammed the verdict, as they took to Twitter to claim it was ‘unfair’
While Nile made history as the first male contestant to perform the headbanger during the grand final.
He was given the maximum amount of points for the show-stopping routine with judges, Ashley Banjo, Oti Mabuse, Jayne Torvill and Chris Dean all scoring him 10.
The headbanger, or the bounce spin, sees a skater picked up their ankle and spun round by their partner.
Due to the potential danger, the move is actually banned by the International Skating Union (ISU), which governs competitive skating.
Performing the move at an ISU event will see points deducted by the judges, but it can be used in routines for exhibition or show skating.
Speaking ahead of his routine Nile said: ‘There’s going to be eight other professionals on the ice and it very very intimidating. I need to blend in with them and not stand out.’
‘A hell of a lot can go wrong in this routine, it’s the biggest challenge I have ever attempted on this show!’
Commenting on the routine, Ashley said: ‘After the week I know you’v e had, to pull that routine off cleanly with no mistakes is incredible’
Oti said: ‘The passion, the thrill, the way you push yourself every week, this performance was worthy of a 10.’
Praised: Nile’s skating skills had been lauded by judges Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean, Jayne Torvill and Oti Mabuse, with his performances earning perfect scores in the final
DANCING ON ICE 2023: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
PATSY PALMER
AGE: 50
PROFESSION: Actress and DJ
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve turned it down before because I was terrified, but when I turned 50 I made a pact to get out of my confront zone. ‘
EKIN-SU CULCULOGLU
AGE: 28
PROFESSION: Love Island star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve got some amazing news to tell you. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice.’
MOLLIE GALLAGHER
AGE: 24
PROFESSION: Actress
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve not got the best coordination so when people find out they will laugh, but I don’t want to spend my life saying “I can’t do this, I can’t do that.”
JOEY ESSEX
AGE: 32
PROFESSION: Ex TOWIE star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited. I wanted something in my life with structure and it’s more serious than what I usually do.’
CARLEY STENSON
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Actress and West End star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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.’
SIVA KANESWARAN
AGE: 33
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I want to learn how to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for everyone to see.’
JOHN FASHANU
AGE: 60
PROFESSION: Former footballer and pundit
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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!’
NILE WILSON
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: Olympic gymnast
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve 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.’
JAMES LEE WILLIAM AKA THE VIVIENNE
AGE: 29
PROFESSION: Drag queen
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘To be the first drag artist to take part in one of the big UK reality competition shows is an honour and a big step forward for queer representation on TV.’
DARREN HARRIOT
PROFESSION: Comedian
AGE: 34
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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!’
MICHELLE HEATON
AGE: 43
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘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.’
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