Get your skates on: Dancing on Ice returns

Dancing on Ice kicked off last night to whisk you through the January blues, as a host of the finest names in showbiz literally got their skates on…

The first six of the celebrities took to the ice with glittery outfits, insane grins, wobbly knees and probably a fair few bruises. The remaining six will skate next week.

However, it was all over as soon as it began for Pamela Anderson as she became the first shock celebrity to be voted off, along with professional partner Matt Evers.

Save Me Skate

For the first time in the show’s history, the celebrities were allowed to perform a ‘Save Me Skate’ (clearly inspired by the X Factor Sunday results show) as a last chance to impress the judges. This is a system where the bottom two acts pick their own songs and routines to persuade the judges to save them.

The Judges

This series also sees everyone’s favourite, straight-talking judge, Jason Gardiner, back on the ice panel, along with a new addition in the form of ex-Pussy Cat Doll member – Ashley Roberts – (or maybe more commonly known now as the runner up of the last series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.)

Meet the Celebrities

While it’s said every year, this year’s bunch of celeb contestants really is by far the best. From Baywatch royalty to a rugby legend hitting the ice rink, this series promises to be very exciting.

Those who skated

Pamela Anderson
She may have conquered the waves in Baywatch but last night she failed to conquer the ice as Pamela Anderson became the first celebrity to leave. However, it was all over just as soon as it all began for Pamela Anderson as she became the shock first celebrity to be voted off, along with professional partner Matt Evers. Pamela found herself in the bottom two along with TV presenter Keith Chegwin, after the judges’ scores were combined with the viewers’ vote. Despite initially performing a good routine earlier on, Pamela failed to impress during the skate off after she nearly lost her footing (and her dress!) all at the same time. After that hiccup, the judges chose to save Keith instead.

Samia Ghadie
Corrie’s Maria Sutherland has swapped the backstreet hairdressers for the glitz and glamour of the rink…and she seemed to impress the judges last night too.

Keith Chegwin

He rose to fame on BBC children’s show Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and his performance last night was more than entertaining, with Ashley even describing him as a ‘little ball of fun and energy.’

Beth Tweedle
She might be one of Britain’s most successful gymnasts…but Jason said he was ‘bored to Beth’ after her performance, even describing her as ‘robotic’. Will she be able to improve her moves in the coming weeks?

Matt Lapinskas
Matt is well and truly flying the (ex) EastEnders flag this year, as he topped the leader board last night and more than impressed the judges. Will he be able to keep it up and skate all the way to the final?

Shayne Ward
Apparently 5.5 million votes were cast for him to win X Factor back in 2005, but he wasn’t so much of a natural on the ice last night…

Those still to skate

Luke Campbell
He won a gold medal for boxing at the London 2012 Olympic Games…but will he be as successful in the skating department?

Lauren Goodger
‘The Only Way is Essex’ star Lauren Goodger has apparently been an ice skater from a young age which should stand her in good stead for the competition. Bet she’s still totes nervous though…

Oona King
Oona is famous for being the second ever black female MP elected to the House of Commons, but will she be able to skate?

Joe Pasquale
He was King of the Jungle in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, back in 2003, but will he be crowned King of the ice as well?

Gareth Thomas
Former Welsh rugby international, Gareth Thomas, says he wants his personality to shine through on the ITV skating contest. He is also very keen to win…

Anthea Turner
She is the former Blue Peter Presenter who became TV’s Perfect Housewife, but how will she cope out on the ice?

What did you think of the Dancing on Ice launch show? Will you be tuning in next week? Let us know below.