Week two and it was the turn of the boys! Opening the show, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean skated with the professional male skaters – with some great moves from Jayne throughout the routine!

We had the full line-up of couples at the beginning but the girls were able to have a week without pressure whilst the boys took centre stage! So, in the boys own words – “It’s time...to kick some ice!”

Gary Lucy and Maria

Music: Alright Now – Free
Gary gave a very confident performance to open the show. He has the basic skating skills down and seems very stable when he moves across the ice. His lifts with Maria were completed with ease and he thoroughly deserved his score of 17.5. He seemed a little self conscious about the dancing section in the routine but things such as these can be worked on and developed. Overall a really good first performance.

Hilary Jones and Alexandra

Music: Everlasting Love – The Love Affair
Hilary really surprised me with a good skate. Yes, he can’t complete as many difficult manoeuvres as the others but what he did do he did well. On the positive side, he can bend his knees well and interacts with Alexandra and presents the routine nicely. He needs to work on his confidence but as the eldest competitor he will be more wary than the others. I think he should be very proud of what he achieved on the ice.

Danny Young and Frankie

Music: Viva La Vida – Coldplay
I would describe Danny as a rough diamond. He certainly has the ability and the strength but in some places it was a little untidy. I am being very picky about this but I can certainly see a lot of potential there. He skates well, with good knee bend and seems to really enjoy his skating. He now needs to work on the flow of the basic skating and the connecting movements. I am definitely looking forward to seeing Danny in next week’s show.

Bobby Davro and Mollie

Music: I Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison
I watched Bobby’s performance with a smile on my face! His facial expressions were brilliant and he put so much enthusiasm into his skate! He isn’t the best skater but he was an excellent entertainer whilst out there on the ice! We have five judges on the panel – two who have never skated. I can appreciate the fact that they are there to concentrate on the presentation side of the performances but sometimes I don’t think they appreciate just how hard this sport is. Bobby can work on his skating but is a natural born showman!

Kieron Richardson and Rhiann

Music: Beat Again – JLS
We seem to have a mini competition going on with boys! Kieron skated a great programme and the lifts worked with ease. This was a difficult first programme and I think that he could go a very long way in this series. Jason was not justified in giving 2.5 to this routine – sometimes I do wonder what he is watching! The skating flowed and connected well and yes, there is room for development but this is only week one (Take note Jason!) I’m looking forward to watching what’s next for this couple!

Jeremy Sheffield and Susie

Music: It’s a Man’s World – Seal
Jeremy’s ballet background was definitely apparent throughout his routine as he carried himself very well. His arm movements were soft and hit all the right lines. His skating skills actually surprised me as he skated better than I thought he would especially as he has had the hamstring injury. The marks were quite low but that is to be expected as it was a little hesitant, but it was very pleasant to watch. With some more confidence and more training he could make big steps towards being a contender.

Mikey Graham and Melanie

Music: Let’s Dance – David Bowie
Mikey gave a confident performance with some very nice skating moves included in it. I thought he skated better when attached to partner Melanie and the cartwheel lift was a particular highlight – especially after the stumble. He needs to work some more on his basic skating to make sure that his crossovers are completed properly but it was a very enjoyable programme to watch with him carrying himself well throughout. He seems to have a good work ethic which will serve him well whilst skating.

The Skate-Off

So, Gary and Bobby were in the skate off. I was surprised that Gary was in it but it has been quite a strong week with the boys.

Gary was first to skate and put in a very strong performance which was akin to his earlier performance. Bobby’s performance was as entertaining as his first and he looked to be really enjoying himself.

It didn’t surprise me that Bobby was voted out although I am very sad that we will not be seeing him again as his enthusiasm was infectious! Next week it’s a mix of both the boys and the girls and it will be very interesting to see who will be triumphant!