Dancing On Ice has been embroiled in a 'fix' row and Happy Monday's Bez has weighed in on the topic.
Viewers have been complaining that some of the contestants on this year’s skating competition have an unfair advantage due to their extensive dance training, and called out the judges for giving them high scores.
Now Bez, who was the fifth star to leave the show after losing in the skate-off to Sally Dynevor, says being a dancer does give you an advantage.
The 57-year-old star said that all contestants are in 'the same boat' as they all have to 'learn how to skate'.
"You've got to give everyone credit for it. To do it on ice, it's such a difficult skill," he said to The Sun. "Being a dancer will make your skating appear really graceful and beautiful.
"But they've all started off in the same boat and they all have the work and I think it's not fair to criticise people because they have got dance skills."
His comments come after the show's judges voted to save Coronation Street star Sally over him.
Throughout the series, viewers have been accusing the judges of favouring certain contestants.
Regan Gascoigne, who is one of the favourites to lift the Dancing On Ice trophy, is one of the celebrities who has been targeted in the row.
Fans have alleged that he has an unfair advantage because he’s been professionally dancing for years.
The star, who is Paul Gascoigne's son, was part of the Hammond Ballet School when he was younger.
Get all the biggest showbiz news straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror Showbiz newsletter.
He also studied musical theatre at the Tring Park School for Performing Arts.
Regan also performed with dance troupe Qdos Entertainment since 2018, and some viewers believe he shouldn't be allowed to compete against non-dancers.
He even slammed the fans' claims, and told Mirror Online skating was “different to dancing”.
“You're holding your core in a totally different way to how you would be dancing. Lifting people is totally different, it is a completely different skill. The ice is a completely different element,” he explained.
Fans have also taken aim at former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole, who they allege was given high scores by guest judge Arlene Phillips over the weekend due to them being former co-stars on the hit BBC One show.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.
