Dancing On Ice, Capital FM Arena

The razzle-dazzle sequined circus that is Dancing on Ice returned to Nottingham this weekend, pleased and proud to be back in the home city of Bolero.

Or as the master of ceremonies put it, “Torvill and Dean’s Dancing on Ice”.

Because it really was their show this time around, with not even perennial host Andi Peters in sight to keep the action bobbing along.

Jayne and Chris themselves were the comperes and anyone who’s ever heard them interviewed will know that it’s perhaps not their strongest role.

Out on the ice, though, they were most definitely in charge, with three spectacular routines to remind us that it was here that the legend began.

Their first set the standard for the rest of the evening while after the break they treated us to two more arrangements, one with Jayne in a Geri Halliwell-style union flag-design dress, paying homage to our sporting summer ahead.

In the contest itself, the ladies in the audience found themselves overexcited at the sight of Dancing On Ice 2012 champion, Emmerdale soap star Matthew Wolfenden – who was definitely a crowd favourite and always destined to be in the final. Singer Chico caused plenty of interest too.

Shirtless, muscular and with the ability to shake the parts you wouldn’t normally look at.

Actor Sam Attwater, Coronation Street’s Andy Whyment and tiny Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter made up the five who won through to the final on the night we were there ... but it wouldn’t be fair who reveal who triumphed in a Bolero skate-off.

Suffice to say it was a popular decision and went to the celebrity who so desperately wanted to win.

We were also treated to near-perfect routines from bendable actress Jennifer Ellison, smiley Sugababe Heidi Range and British skier Chemmy Alcott.

The standard was high and finalists were chosen by a text vote from the audience, which was amalgamated with the judges’ scores.

No flying this year, though, and after our local heroes departed the ice to the ovation they deserved, the first few numbers from the competitors seemed a little flat, even when the favourites graced the ice.

With the Arena rather less than filled to capacity, and tickets available in all areas for Sunday’s show, perhaps the public is cooling to Dancing On Ice.

Even the judging panel was slimmed down from five to three this year, comprising former Olympian and TV series coach Karen Barber, 2007 winner Kyran Bracken and comedy actor Christopher Biggins.

Torvill and Dean’s Dancing On Ice The Tour - Trent FM Arena

The ice dancers put absolutely everything into their performance in a rip-roaring extravaganza by the TV stars on tour in Nottingham.

And although there was only one real slip-up, the judges were predictably harsh, reminding us that they see the same routines night after night – and judge them according to improvement or worsening of their ice dancing.

Cheeky Andi Peters was our host, and got proceedings under way for what was a slightly subdued audience by this show’s standards.

Perhaps they’ve seen it all before. Indeed, Gaynor Faye, Chris Fountain, Ray Quinn and Clare Buckfield were competitors who had all previously graced the famous Nottingham ice in at least one previous tour. They were joined by newcomers Mikey Graham, Hayley Tamaddon, Emily Atack and Gary Lucy.

And of course we had the wonderful T&D. We love ‘em. Flashbulbs popping every time they set foot on the ice, and their eye-watering new Bolero routine saw our golden couple suspended from the rafters by purple silks. A standing ovation no less.

Of course, it was all a bit of fun and no reputations were made or lost.

It was clear on the night, however, that some were having more fun than others. Gaynor and Clare looked as though they were really enjoying themselves. Hayley seemed the most desperate to do well, while Chris was clearly way out in front on the night, and not only won the judges’ vote but carried off the trophy in the Bolero dance-off.

The first half of the show was the bit where the audience helped with the judging, having the chance to text their favourite after watching and hearing what the judges had to say. The panel comprised former Olympians Karen Barber and Nicky Slater, 2007 TV series winner Kyran Bracken, actor Christopher Biggins and Nottingham Post columnist and writer Erik Petersen.

We saw:
Mikey Graham – with professional dancer Melanie Lambert;
Gaynor Faye – with professional dancer Matt Evers;
Chris Fountain – with professional dancer Brianne Delacourt;
Ray Quinn – with professional dancer Alexandra Schauman;
Hayley Tamaddon – with professional dancer Dan Whiston;
Emily Atack – with professional dancer Fred Palascak;
Gary Lucy – with professional dancer Maria Filipov;
Clare Buckfield – with professional dancer Lukasz Rozycki.