The ITV show officially crowned Sam Aston as the winner and during a final with ups and downs with rumours the show might be axed after almost 20 years
Dancing on Ice officially crowned Coronation Street’s Sam Aston as the winner alongside his professional, Molly Lanaghan.
However, the end of this season has only sparked fear that the show may never return. While Sam, Michaela Strachan and Anton Ferdinand took to the ice for the final time, thoughts were on the possibility of the show being axed. The finalists performed three routines, including their own take on Torvill and Dean’s iconic Bolero routine from the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984. Sam won the public vote – but many fans were not delighted with the result.
“It’s called Dancing on Ice not vote for your favourite celebrity whether they are good or not just because they are in a soap.” wrote one passionate fan. “We’ve been robbed,” added another.
Despite a few annoyed fans, the final was not short of wild moments throughout the night. From emotional moments to strange dances in a huge ice skate – the Daily Star has rated the night’s strangest details.
Holly gets emotional
Host Holly Willoughby told viewers she was getting emotional during the opening of the show during rumours the final could be the last time Dancing on Ice is on TV.
Holly, 44, and Stephen Mulhern, 47, introduced the final with an emotional address. The episode started with a montage of the season, with several clips throughout the season before finalists Anton Ferdinand, Michaela Strachan, and Sam Aston entered the rink together for a group skate to Sigma and Morgan’s Adrenaline Rush, joined by some of the show’s professional skaters.
Following this, Holly said to the audience: “It’s so exciting in here tonight, I can’t tell you.”
While golding the trophy, Stephen revealed: “It’s gonna be an emotional night.” Holly added: “I know … don’t!” To which Stephen quipped: “You’re getting emotional already.”
ITV have suffered plummeting figures this season. Over the past two years, the ITV show has lost more than one million viewers, with the 2023 launch episode being watched by 4.1million people and this season struggling to reach 3million.
Anton’s ‘ridiculous’ performance
Footballer Anton Ferdinand took to the ice and performed a lively routine to Let’s Go Crazy by Prince And The Revolution. Filled with 80s moves and bright costumes, the performance received a mixed review online.
However, he managed to walk away with a perfect 10. According to viewers watching at home, the scoring from the panel was “farcical” and “embarrassing”.
He was scored faultless by the four judges Ashley Banjo, Oti Mabuse, Torvill, and Dean, despite nearly dropping his partner Annette Dytrt during a lift.
“Absolutely shocking, not more than a 7, made a mistake how could it be a 10,” said one viewer on X.
Another person raged: “What the hell are the judges thinking, all of them giving 10 to Anton? No mention of him dropping Annette during the lift and him constantly bent over? Smells of a fix.”
3. Christopher shares the love
In a rare moment of affection, judge Christopher Dean took the opportunity to give Anton a well deserved hug following his performance.
Host Stephen Mullhern thought Jayne was becoming emotional but she clarified she was simply enjoying the moment.
Emotional moments all around, with the thought of axing present on everyone’s mind.
4. Full scores all around
Fans weren’t too pleased with the fact judges were handing out 10s during the final.
One enraged fan wrote: “Clearly the judges have their orders. 10 for everyone, so leave it to US! Pathetic.” Another added: “To me the 3 showcase routines have been awful, they didn’t show off what the celebs could do. More show than skating.”
A third user even suggested the celebrities should be competing for Team GB for figure skating, given their scores, which they of course believed to be inflated because of the final.
All of the celebrities left with perfect scores across the board, more than ever achieved throughout the season.
5. Stephen takes to the ice
To fill up time between performances, host Stephen decided to take to the stage himself. The twist? He was joined with five other Stephens.
Five other men dressed up as Stephen in suits and wigs and danced around the stage as he appeared out of the top of a huge white ice skate. Yes, you read that right.
“What was that Stephen Mulhern thing?? Cant wait to see the back of this show,” wrote on unimpressed fan. “There is only room for 1 of you Stephen. You’re absolutely brilliant,” added another.
Skaters return
The class of 2025 returned. With many dropped out due to injury, they all appeared to be in good spirits and in one piece.
Torvill and Dean perform
The Olympic legends officially announced they’d be hanging up their skates, but not after one last performance.
Torvill and Dean have one last farewell tour and gave viewers a preview during the final. Their goodbye occurred during rumours of the show’s axing, with no confirmation if it will return next year.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
