Dancing On Ice kicked off its Sunday, January 29 episode with a brilliant performance from former Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and partner Olivia Smart. This week was musicals week on the ITV show and the pair skated to ‘Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang’.
After finishing their performance, the pair skated down the tunnel. As they did, Nile slipped and brought both himself and Olivia to the floor. They quickly got back on their feet to receive their scores.
With scores of 8.5 from Ashley, Jayne and Chris and 8.0 from Oti, Nile and Olivia secured the highest score of the series so far, 33.5. “What an opener,” said Phillip before comparing Nile to a former Dancing On Ice celebrity. “The last time we saw someone shoot down the tunnel, it was Todd Carty and it wasn’t like that.” Todd appeared in Dancing On Ice’s fourth series, getting consistent low scores but huge entertainment value on the ice. Viewers were quick to comment on Schofield’s comparison.
Read more: Who has left Dancing On Ice 2023? Results and full list of voted off contestants
“Niall is no Todd Carty that's for sure,” wrote one person on social media. A second then added: “When they skated down the tunnel though I couldn't help but think Todd Carty.” A third pointed fingers at Schofield, writing: “Did he just disrespect Todd Carty’s iconic moment?”
Despite the Todd Carty comparison, viewers raved over Nile and Olivia’s performance. “I give Nile and Olivia 8.0. A lot of really strong content, with some extra added tricks. A little wobbly at for a couple of seconds, but otherwise brilliant!” wrote one person. A second echoed: “Nile and Olivia really are such a great couple. That was just so so good. I love watching them so much.” And a third commented: “Nile Wilson to win @dancingonice wow!! Blew me away last week and this week was a Bang Bang.”
Dancing On Ice airs on ITV1 on Sundays. For more TV and showbiz stories, subscribe to our newsletter here.
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