Dancing on Ice is back for 2022 and is already causing controversy among ardent fans of the show.
Ben Foden became the first celebrity to leave the ITV show this evening (January 23) after performing with his professional partner Robin Johnstone in the dreaded skate-off against Ria Hebden.
Ben said that he was gutted to be leaving the show - and it would appear fans feel exactly the same way if comments on social media are anything to go by.
READ MORE: This is where you can learn to ice skate in and around Bristol
After 11 skating stars took to the rink over the past two weekends, two stars were left fighting for their place on the show.
It was TV presenter Ria Hebden and her professional skating partner Łukasz Różycki who found themselves in the bottom last week.
This time around, week two saw Ben and his pro partner Robin Johnstone in the bottom and facing Ria in the dreaded skate-off.
In the end it was Ben who left the show after the rugby player and Celebrity X Factor star was voted out by all of the judges, including Ashley Banjo, Oti Mabuse, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.
Speaking to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield after the decision, he praised his pro partner after three months of training for the ITV show.
He said: "I really have enjoyed it, this woman is incredible and it's the people who make this experience."
Phil said the standard was so high this year, suggesting Ben might have been at a disadvantage.
He replied: "I know, I thought there’d obviously be someone who couldn’t skate, and it turns out it is me! Literally everyone was so good."
It seems that Ben was rather at peace with the decision, but fans have been expressing their fury online, with many saying that he was "robbed".
@bevmcphun wrote on Twitter: "Results unfair. Ria had a week to work on the feedback she received last week but Ben didn't get the same opportunity to work on his feedback. Not an even playing field. And as for Bez last week.... what can I say. Outrageous he wasn't in the skate off."
Donna felt that Ben's skating proficiency warranted another week, writing: "Just because they did lots of lifts it looks better - but no skating without clinging to her partner, whereas Ben skated on his own and had to lift his partner etc - disappointed!"
Cindy agreed with that, adding: "Ben might be skating two -footed but at least he’s using them…. Rea [sic] is being pushed around the ice",
While Greig wrote: "Lukasz & Ria should never have been in the skate off, BUT no solo skating at all from Ria and carried round by Lukasz the whole routine. Ben didn’t have that luxury."
Felicity chipped in with: "Did i watch a completely different skate off?! Ben was miles better than Ria! What's happening."
Caroline said it was an "absolute joke" and that "Ben was the better skater," while Natasha said, "#Robbed !!! Ben Foden had so much potential and deserved more, he was not the worst act by far!"
And Samantha summarised what everyone seemed to be thinking rather neatly, saying: "What a c**p result! Ben should have gone through!"
Dancing on Ice continues Sunday at 6:30pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
What do you think? Was Ben Foden robbed? Have your say in the comments below.
