Dancing On Ice contestant Ria Hebden and her partner Lukasz Rozycki were left stunned when hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield announced they would be in the skate-off.
While this may have been the first episode of the latest season, it was clear nobody was safe with each celebrity and their skating partner facing the brutal public vote.
Viewers have since hit out at the voting public, with some claiming that Ria’s position was down to the voting system being based on “popularity”.
After hearing the news, Ria said: “I’m really gutted because we absolutely worked so hard on this skate and I enjoyed every second of skating with Lukasz.”
(Image: ITV)
While Lukasz added: “We have a fabulous routine, so I’m looking forward to us actually performing it.”
Moments after the news was revealed, viewers flocked to social media to share their frustrations with one saying: “It proves it’s a popularity contest as Ria didn’t deserve to be in the bottom #DancingOnIce.”
A second added: “Ria didn’t deserve to be in the skate-off, she skated SO well, but unfortunately that was purely a popularity vote #DancingOnIce.”
(Image: ITV)
“Genuinely feel bad for Ria but someone had to be in the bottom & maybe she’s just the least well known, #DancingOnIce,” wrote another.
A fourth commented: “Not enough people know who Ria is. Shame cuz she’s really enjoying being on #DancingOnIce [sic].”
However, others were left furious that Ria was announced to be in the bottom two, with one saying: “Ria shouldn’t be in the skate-off though. Let’s see what next week brings! Decent first show #DancingOnIce.”
(Image: ITV)
A second added: “#DancingOnIce so sorry for Ria. Don’t think she deserves to be in the skate-off…”
Before a third typed: “Ria did not deserve to be in the skate-off #DancingOnIce!”
Ria and Lukasz had skated to Harry Styles’ hit song, Treat People With Kindness, delighting the star-studded judging panel who rewarded them with a score of 24.5 out of 40.
Her skate-off opponent will be announced at the end of next Sunday’s episode after the second group of celebrities have taken to the ice.
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV on Sunday at 6.30pm.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
