Dancing On Ice branded a ‘fix’ as Ben Foden is first celeb to be eliminated after skate off with ITV star Ria Hebden
DANCING On Ice’s Ben Foden crashed out of the competition tonight after a tense skate off against Ria Hebden.
The rugby ace became the first celeb to be eliminated from the ITV show after all judges voted to save Loose Women star Ria.
Former England rugby player Ben was the first to take to the rink during Sunday’s show, performing a routine to Livin’ la Vida Loca by Ricky Martin.
His hip-shaking and jumps, and lifts with pro partner Robin Johnstone, won him 23 out of a possible 40 points.
Head judge Jayne Torvill praised him for the “fun” routine.
Whilst Christopher Dean described it as a “contemporary dance on ice”, adding: “I loved the simplicity of the movement.”
But he failed to get enough public votes to keep him out of the bottom two.
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After a tense skate off, new judge Oti Mabuse told Ben: “I’m going to vote for the couple who took more risks and was enjoyable.”
And Ashley Banjo commented: “Well done to both of you, skate offs are never easy but I picked this person for incorporating more elements into the skate.”
Over on Twitter, viewers branded the result a “fix”, as one viewer said: “Disgraceful choice from the judges tonight. Neither were fantastic but at least Ben skated on his own. Think Chris and Jayne are losing the plot…very unfair”
Another scoffed: “Cannot believe Ben was voted off thought he was a lot better in the skating performances than Lorraine’s friend, of course that didn’t play a part in the voting”
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Another person raged: “FIX – seems ITV can’t have one of there own employees go out after week 1 ! Ben was much better – he lead & lifted seriously he could have gone far.”
And one more said: “Ria can’t skate without holding her partner quite literally clinging to her partner whilst Ben is lifting his partner such a fix”
Asked whether he had enjoyed his time on the show, Foden remarked: “I really have. As I have said before, this woman (his partner Robin Johnstone) is so incredible, and it’s the people that make this experience.”
Show host Phillip Schofield tried to comfort Ben, saying: “I think you were at a disadvantage because the standard is so high this series.”
The sportsman replied: “I thought there would be someone who couldn’t skate, but turns out it was me.”
In an interview before the show, Ben accused his Dancing on Ice co-stars of “playing down how good they are” to shock viewers.
He warned fans “don’t be fooled” as Rachel Stevens and Connor Ball said they were worried about their performances.
“We’ve all worked hard in the leadup to it,” said ex-rugby player Ben.
“Every year it steps up and this year’s it’s pretty good.
“I’ve watched both Rachel and Connor and they’ve been playing themselves down in interviews while I’ve been trying to big myself up. Maybe that was a mistake.
“Don’t let anyone fool you. Everyone is good. Everyone has their strengths.”
The 36-year-old continued: “Rachel is very graceful, she knows her lines and where the camera is.
“Connor is a bundle of energy – his skating is awesome and I know he’ll be wicked when he jumps on the ice.
“Everyone is going to be good so everyone is my competition.”
He joked that he planned to sabotage their performances, saying: “I need to start leaving some beads on the ice if I’d like to get as far as I do in this competition.”
Married Ben left his co-star Rachel Stevens speechless this week as he called her the “sexiest woman in the world”.
He enjoyed a flirt with the S Club 7 star as his wife Jackie insisted he’ll “never cheat”.
