It’s been a n-ice nine years for hit TV show Dancing On Ice!
For nine years it’s been a Sunday smash hit. But tonight the three celebs, Ray Quinn, Hayley Tamaddon and Beth Tweddle will strap their skates on for the final Dancing On Ice.
We’ll see the last ever televised Bolero from Torvill and Dean. And before the end of the show the final two will skate their version to see who’ll win the title.
Lots of surprises are promised by ITV, with Phillip Schofield rumoured to be taking to the ice.
Up to 12 million viewers have tuned in over the years to witness the triumphs and disasters, romances and bust-ups.
Here’s our pick of what’s made it ice to see you…
THE PAIN GAME
Scots pro skater Mark Hanretty dislocated his shoulder during a live show last year then popped it back in to finish his routine.
Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter slashed partner Matt Evers’ face with her blade on the way to finishing runner-up in 2012.
THE same series saw former Brookside star Jennifer Ellison athletically slice her own head open when a scorpion move went wrong.
Singer Chesney Hawkes didn’t even make the show after breaking his leg during a training disaster.
And ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman proved he didn’t have safe hands, dropping his partner on the ice so badly that she required stitches.
BAYWATCH BOOB
Show bosses splashed serious cash to land Hollywood star Pamela Anderson (pictured right) last year. She struck a deal for £150,000 regardless of how long she lasted.
But after a dodgy routine when a boob fell out, she was eliminated in week one. At less than three minutes screen skating time, that worked out at £1000 per second.
ROMANCES
David Seaman met pro skater Frankie Poultney through the show and he left his wife. They recently announced they’re to wed.
Rumours abounded last year about Corrie star Samia Ghadie and pro partner Sylain Longchambon. Despite denials, they finally came clean and are still together.
Uunfortunately Sylvain was this year paired with Jorgie Porter, best pal of Jennifer Metcalfe, a previous partner of his whom he dumped for Samia. Jorgie and Sylvain’s relationship was icier than the surface they skated on and unimpressed viewers ensured an early exit.
CLASSIC MOMENTS
Todd Carty, one of the dodgiest skaters ever, shooting off the ice and up the tunnel. He was invited back this year but got embarrassingly low scores.
Jason Gardiner’s hairy new look. Balding fast, he spent the 2011 series hiding an in-development transplant under a cap. He quit but returned for the 2013 series with a full head of hair.
Anything involving Jason and fellow judge Karen Barber, who left to be head coach for a couple of years. When she complained about low marks Jason snapped back, “If your opinion still mattered you’d be on the panel.” Three years on, the feud continues right to the end.
COOL FACTS
Torvill and Dean have spent 3432 hours coaching and training on the ice. They have choreographed over 700 routines and taught 111 celebrities.
There have been 11 different permanent judges, with Robin Cousins the only judge to feature in every series.
Suzanne Shaw was the first celeb to get full marks. Corrie’s Steven Arnold got the lowest-ever score, just seven.
The celebs included 13 Olympians, 14 pop stars, 34 actors and one Baroness.
JUDGE’S VERDICT
– Head judge Robin Cousins’ lowdown on the final three.
RAY QUINN: “If he’d chosen to skate at the time he was dancing as a kid he could have been an internationally-known skater. He has a naturally affinity for understanding how the blades work.”
HAYLEY TAMADDON: “She’s getting stronger. Hayley has never been the greatest skater. However, she has always figured out how to make it work for her and show herself off to the best of her ability.”
BETH TWEDDLE: “The boys in the semi-finals were the best skaters but the girls have great performance skills. What Beth has in addition is her Olympic athlete background which makes her dig deep.”
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