Dancing On Ice's most mind-blowing exits – 'rule break', backstage row and pro axe

Dancing On Ice is often way more dramatic than producers anticipate for, and the 2022 series is no different.

Fans were left fuming when Love Island’s Liberty Poole was eliminated last week (February 13) after a shocking fall on the ice.

And Ben Foden’s wife was adamant the show was “pointless” after her man became the first to be voted off the show back in January.

But over the years, contestants have had backstage drama which has seen them quit the show without facing the public vote.

Here, as viewers get excited for Musicals Week on Dancing On Ice, Daily Star takes a look at the ITV show’s most shocking exits.

Stephanie Waring

Back in 2018, Hollyoaks actress Stephanie Waring became the second celebrity to be voted off after a skate-off against singer Lemar, who stumbled during his routine.

And it seems her emotions got the better of her as she burst into tears as she spoke to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield afterwards.

She had scored just 17 points for her skate, alongside pro Sylvain Longchambon, and said she’d “done it better in rehearsals”.

As she spoke through her tears, Stephanie said: “Do you know what I’ve had the most amazing time.

“I’m really proud of myself for what I’ve done.”

Sylvain later slammed the judges, claiming they broke the rules by saving Lemar when he had a stumble.

He told The Sun: “The rules are if there’s a stumble in the skate off then if the other couple skate well then they should be out. That is the rule of the skate off.

“This happened five years ago with Pamela Anderson. She had a stumble and she was voted out.

“They gave Steph better marks on her main routine and he stumbled in the skate off and they chose him over her.”

Caprice

In 2020, model and businesswoman Caprice quit the skating show after a feud with her pro partner Hamish Gaman.

She stopped skating with him in week two and was partnered with Oscar Peters instead.

Later, a friend of the star told The Sun that Caprice thought Hamish was “bullying” her and that she was “abandoned by ITV”.

The source said: “She feels utterly bullied and has been left distraught by everyone speaking out to support Hamish, while she has been branded a lazy diva.”

At the time, there were countless claims that Caprice was being difficult to work with due to “diva” behaviour following her row with Caprice.

Her team said: “It’s true that Caprice is no longer participating in Dancing On Ice. It’s been a hard few months and she’s had to keep silent for contractual reasons.

“Her mental wellbeing has been affected over the last two months and recent stories leaked to the press are not only salacious but extremely hurtful.

“Now she’s taking some time to recover and look after herself and her family.”

Hamish Gaman

The surprises aren’t limited to the celebrity skaters, as pro Hamish Gaman was left stunned when he was dropped by ITV bosses for the 2022 series.

Following the Caprice drama in 2020, Hamish returned in 2021 as Faye Brookes’ partner but had to drop out of the show due to an injury in his hand.

When it was time for the pro lineup to be announced at the end of 2021, Hamish was notably absent.

He later shared how “surprised” and “confused” he was, as his professional skating partner Vanessa Bauer would still be taking part.

Hamish said in a statement on social media: “Hi everyone. I’m sad to confirm that I’m not returning to Dancing on Ice this year. The producers told me that they weren’t bringing me back because they wanted to freshen up the lineup.

“I was completely surprised by their decision and I’ve been left confused and struggling to make sense of everything that’s happened. Vanessa and I are still skating partners and I’m devastated that we won’t be skating together on the show anymore.

“Thank you for all of your love and support during my time on the show. I’m going to miss skating for you.”

Ben Foden

Rugby star Ben Foden became the first celebrity to be eliminated during this year’s series, leaving his wife Jackie Belanoff-Smith fuming.

She hit out at the ITV show in a scathing statement on Instagram, asking fans “what the point” of the series was.

“What’s the point of saying it’s a skate competition when it’s really just a popularity competition?” Jackie wrote.

She went on: “What’s the point of having a judging panel when it’s all down to a public vote?

“It’s not a skate competition, it’s a popularity competition.”

Jackie added: “It’s a bit unfair, and we’re a bit sad, the worst skater wasn’t the first to go, I really don’t see the point.

“Yes it’s how the show makes money, but maybe leave the public vote for the save me skate offs or something? Otherwise, it’s just kind of pointless to even try.”

Myleene Klass

Last year, Myleene Klass was the first to be eliminated leaving viewers completely stunned.

She said afterwards: “I had never skated before, I’ve got a skill that I learned in lockdown, who would have thought it?”

Fans quickly shared their support, with many confused at how she had been eliminated.

“You were robbed Myleene,” one said. Another wrote: “You looked fantastic. The one thing I would change about the show is elimination on the first week.”

What was even more shocking is host Holly Willoughby had backed Myleene for the win.

She said ahead of the series launch: “I think she’s got musicality because obviously, she’s a musician. She’s a performer anyway. And I just, I don’t know. I think she’s going to fall in love with it… That’s my little insider tip!”

Liberty Poole

Love Island babe Liberty Poole became the latest to be eliminated on February 13, after she landed in the bottom two alongside Kye Whyte.

The reality starlet, who had been a favourite among viewers despite not being a high scorer, was eliminated after a horror fall on the rink.

She and her pro partner Joe Johnson slammed down onto the ice after a lift went wrong.

Fans claimed they were going to “boycott” the show following Liberty’s exit, considering skaters such as Bez and Sally Dynevor, who were not performing as technical skates as Liberty, were still on the show.

Dancing On Ice airs Sundays on ITV

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk