Every year Dancing on Ice dramas dominate the headlines.
This year we’ve had people pulling out due to injury, bereavement, covid-exposure, allegations of jealousy amongst the pro-skaters, scary falls, controversial tweets, daredevil lifts, and of course, the inevitable slew of complaints about Holly Willoughby’s low-cut dresses.
The show is great to watch for the skating but the off-ice gossip certainly adds a little extra to the entertainment. I wanted to capture some of that drama and excitement in book form, and so Strictly on Ice was born! It’s a story about second chance romances and sporting stars, reality TV, vengeful exes, ill-advised hook ups, overcoming challenges, and learning to trust again.
Find out more about Strictly on Ice
One of the best things about writing the book was the excuse to watch old episodes of DOI! Here’s my round up of the best/ most memorable moments on DOI over the years, in my humble opinion!
Ray Quinn – champion of champions
From soap acting to X Factor to being crowned the Dancing on Ice champion, not once, but twice, Ray Quinn is clearly multi talented! He first won Dancing on Ice in 2009, then returned to take the crown again in 2014. Here is his performance at the All Stars competition final in 2014, skating to the Beach Boys.
Dancing on Ice 2014 R9 – Ray Quinn Grand Final – YouTube
Perri Kiely’s flipping brilliant
The Diversity dancer shocked everyone when he managed to do a back flip on the ice, scoring a perfect 40 from the judges! Watch the jaw dropping stunt here:
Perri & Vanessa challenge our Pros to a skate battle! | Dancing on Ice 2020 – YouTube
Wes and Vanessa’s headbanging routine
Much like my characters in Strictly on Ice, Wes Nelson and Vanessa Bauer’s time on the show was riven with gossip about their relationship. Aside from the headlines, Wes was also a fantastic skater who made it to the final two. I loved this peter-pan styled routine to Rewrite the stars, where Wes and Vanessa braved the infamous ‘headbanger’ move with perfect ease!
Peter Pan Flies Again! Watch Wes Rewrite the Stars | Dancing on Ice 2019 – YouTube
Beth Tweddle – Scottish dancing on ice!
I loved this routine – Scottish dancing to Hey Brother, on ice?! How Beth managed to do that jig footwork without falling flat on her face I have no idea.
Dancing on Ice 2014 R3 – Beth Tweddle – YouTube
Jane Dansen – a magical performance
OK, the woman is skating as a unicorn. To Queen. After suffering a scary fainting fit in rehearsals. What more do I need to say?
Jane Danson and Sylvain Longchambon skating in Dancing on Ice (Fairytales Week) (3/2/19) – YouTube
Todd Carty takes a tumble
In my novel Strictly on Ice, Katie says to Jamie “The measure of how good you are is not how many times you fall, it’s how many times you can get back up again.” Actor Todd stumbled in his first performance leading to a genuinely hilarious moment where he slides off the set, but he took it in very good grace!
Todd Carty Spectacular Stumble Off Set – Live On Dancing On Ice – ITV1 – HD Stereo – YouTube
Saara Alto sings and skates!
I wasn’t a huge fan of Saara Alto on the X Factor, but I just couldn’t believe she skated AND sung on this ground-breaking DOI performance. Now that’s just showing off!
What do you think?
What do you think are the most memorable moments? I’d love to hear what you think! Follow me on social media and get in touch!
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