Love Island winner Davide Sanclimenti has spoken for the first time since Dancing on Ice fans spotted his sweary reaction to girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu becoming the first star to land in the dreaded skate-off. The reality star is in danger of going home after a public vote saw her come out in the bottom-two as six celebrities competed on the first episode of the 2023 series.
The judges were thrilled by the 28-year-old and her professional partner Brendyn Hatfield’s steamy routine to Britney Spears’ Toxic – but they were disappointed by her skating ability. She scored 21.5 points from the judges, which was not the lowest score on Sunday night, as the first group of skaters took to the ice in ITV’s split premiere.
However, combined with the public voting for their favourites at home, she ended up at the bottom and will now face one of five celebrities who will compete during the second show of the skating series on Sunday (January 22).
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse said she "loved" Ekin's performance as it was "hot, hot, hot – from the outfit to the make-up". And while Olympian skating legend Jayne Torvill agreed it was a "sexy" performance, she said: "I want more skating."
After finding out she was at the bottom, Ekin, who became known to viewers from her appearance on Love Island last summer, appeared disappointed as she said: "I've been really ill as well, and it’s like, I know it’s not an excuse, but I just got back up and, you know…"
And eagle-eyed fans watching at home thought they clocked Italian businessman Davide, from Manchester, mouth an expletive after the shock announcement that Ekin-Su would be in the first skate-off of 2023. Viewers took to Twitter to remark on a "fuming" looking Davide, who was cheering her on from the audience. They thought he had made a sweary response to the result before shouting out "come on baby" as Ekin-Su left the ice.
@Kilbybooty tweeted: "Ekin-Su's shock and confusion, and Davide clearly mouthing WTF." @GeekGirlManners exclaimed: "NOT DAVIDE SAYING WTF WHILE THE CAMERA WAS ON HIM!" And @kay__tweets gasped: "Omg Davide is fuming."
But appearing on Good Morning Britain on Monday morning (January 16), Davide didn't address exactly what he said while rinkside but did offer an update on how his girlfriend is feeling. "The fact that now she's in the skate-off, naturally she's a bit sad," he told hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.
"Last night we had a long talk, but I know that she knows she's a strong woman, she's very determined, she knows what she wants, and I think this will now push her to be better week by week."
And Davide also shared his verdict on Ekin-Su’s skating debut. "I wasn’t surprised that she could actually dance on the ice because I’ve been following over the training," he said. "What I’ve been proud of is she actually entered in the character and she did a very good performance."
It comes as Ekin-Su's debut performance did spark some complaints from some of the show's viewers. While some praised her for the "sexiest performance ever" on ITV Dancing On Ice, others complained about her outfit being a "bit much" including @EnfieldGarry who said: "Not an outfit for a family show, shame you on Ekin Su." @Dia_Monty grumbled: "Oh come on. It's week one. Ekin Sue your not going to get more points for the lack of outfit!"
@Charlie__Tweets wrote: "She may as well have nothing on. It’s quite cringe #DancingOnIce." @EnfieldGarry complained: "Not an outfit for a family show, shame you on Ekin Su. #DancingOnIce."
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