The seventeenth series of Dancing on Ice is well underway, having premiered on January 12, 2025, and it’s already shaping up to be a season filled with drama, dazzling performances, and a few surprises. Hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, the show continues to capture the hearts of viewers across the UK. Here are the latest updates and highlights from this year’s competition.
Injury Forces Contestant to Withdraw
Unfortunately, the competition has already seen its first major setback. Comedian Josh Jones and his professional skating partner, Tippy Packard, were forced to withdraw due to an injury Jones sustained during rehearsals. The show’s official social media pages confirmed their departure, expressing heartfelt wishes for Josh’s speedy recovery. Fans and fellow contestants have expressed their disappointment, as Jones’ humor and energy were a highlight of the series.
Eliminations So Far
The competition has seen its first two eliminations. Chelsee Healey was the first to leave after receiving the lowest combined score from the judges and public votes. Ferne McCann followed shortly after in the second elimination. Both exits have left fans divided, with some questioning whether the scoring system accurately reflects performance levels.
Controversies and Talking Points
No season of Dancing on Ice is complete without its fair share of controversies, and this year is no exception.
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Judging Disputes: Fans have raised concerns about perceived favoritism in the judging. Mollie Pearce and her partner, Colin Grafton, performed a stunning “Beauty and the Beast”-themed routine during Movie Week, earning 30 out of 40. However, many viewers felt the score was unfairly low compared to other contestants.
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High Scores Under Scrutiny: Dan Edgar’s James Bond-themed performance with Vanessa James received a score of 31, but some fans speculated that the judges were overmarking him due to concerns about his public vote appeal.
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Holly Willoughby’s Outfit: Holly Willoughby faced mixed reactions for her choice of a plunging pink dress during Movie Week. While many praised her glamorous look, others deemed the outfit unsuitable for a family show.
Remaining Contestants
The competition remains fierce, with the following celebrities and their professional partners still in the running:
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Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan
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Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford
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Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
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Dan Edgar and Vanessa James
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Chris Taylor and Vanessa Bauer
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Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
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Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton
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Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden
Each week brings new challenges and stunning routines as these contestants fight for the top spot.
Fan Reactions
The public’s engagement with Dancing on Ice remains as passionate as ever. Social media is abuzz with opinions on performances, scoring, and wardrobe choices. While some controversies have sparked debate, they also highlight the show’s enduring ability to captivate its audience.
Looking Ahead
As the competition progresses, fans can look forward to more themed weeks, creative routines, and perhaps even a few surprises. Whether it’s the breathtaking performances or the behind-the-scenes drama, Dancing on Ice continues to deliver entertainment that keeps viewers coming back for more.
Stay tuned for more updates as the series unfolds!