Ashley Banjo has spoken out in defence of Brendan Cole after Dancing On Ice viewers made claims following the first show.
The former Strictly Come Dancing professional made his ice dancing debut on Sunday night.
Brendan was among the six of 12 new celebrities to perform after signing up for the ITV skating competition.
He was the first celebrity to take to the ice, scoring 30.5 with the "best first dance" the series has seen with skating partner Vanessa Bauer.
READ MORE: ITV Dancing On Ice under fire for announcement at end of first show as fans make observation
The 45-year-old was close to tears after he finished the performance to Black Betty by Ram Jam.
He told Dancing On Ice hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: "There was a lot of pressure coming in opening the show, I could feel my heart… I thought you could hear it through my microphone."
Head judge Christopher Dean said: "That is the best first dance I have seen by a contestant in 14 series."
But while many fans loved his performance, many were questioning whether it was fair for professional dancers to star in the show.
@SkylarTwisty tweeted: "So the rest of the celebs need to learn to skate and dance but Brendan just needs to learn to skate…….. seems fair. #DancingonIce."
"#DancingOnIce embarrassing start. Brendan Cole . REALLY. You have to stop using professional dancers. They only have have the skills to learn. Clearly he has strength and he knows the all important lines. Would you get Olympic speed skater on," @hangonjames1967 said.
@norma.milne.9237 wrote: "Couple of high scorers! Shame that the other skaters don't have the same starting point before getting on the ice - surely this isn't an equal opportunity for everyone."
"#dancingonice @dancingonice I like Brendan Cole but I feel the other contestants have a disadvantage when they bring pro dancers like Brendan onto the show, just feel it shouldn’t be allowed," @MizzSophieC added.
But appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday, Ashley has suggested being a dancer won't give Brendan an advatnage.
Speaking to Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, he said: "He was flying over that ice. A lot of people say, 'Oh he's a dancer, he's a pro'.
"Listen, I'm a dancer, I'm a pro and there is no way I would be able to come out and get off that panel and do what Brendan did that well. The way he translates his skills is amazing."
Lorraine Kelly also had her say on the matter as she threw her support behind Ria Hebden, who is the first person announced for the skate-off this Sunday.
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