Dancing On Ice semi-finals kick off in style

Viewers saw the most touching edition of Dancing On Ice‘s to date on Sunday evening, as the four remaining contestants battled for positions in next week’s grand finale.  

During the semi-final, Perri Kiely broke down in tears as he gained the first 40 of the series after dedicating his second routine of the night to his dance troupe, Diversity, while Joe Swash was overwhelmed with emotion as he cried over performing to his late father’s favourite song, Simply Red’s 1991 track, Stars. 

Ben Hanlin narrowly missed out on a place in the upcoming show as he was sent home following a skate-off against Libby Clegg MBE. 

Street dancer Perri, 24, rose to fame as a member of award-winning group Diversity – alongside judge Ashley Banjo – which was formed in 2007 and won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2009. 

Paying homage to his long-term pals, the former Celebs Go Dating star and his professional partner Vanessa Bauer showcased their fancy footwork to Demi Lovato’s Stone Cold.

The judges were blown away by his passionate set as he received a standing ovation and 10s across the board, with his co-member Ashley, 31, fighting back tears.   

Sharing his reason behind dancing to the song, Perri told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: ‘It represents so much to some many people. I’m just grateful for everything. Ashley breaks down too.’ 

‘I’m so proud of you’, choreographer Ashley struggled to tell his close friend. 

Media personality Joe also took to the ice rink with a performance close to his heart, gaining him 9.5s from Ashley, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. 

Detailing the special meaning behind dancing to the hit track, an emotional Joe said: ‘It was my mum and dad’s song. My dad passed away when I was 12, and this was played at his funeral. I want to make a new memory to this song. It’s hard.

‘I miss my dad everyday, so much I’d love to show him. There’s certain things I’ve done that I wanted to experience with him.’ 

The TV star was supported by his son Harry, 12, who enthused: ‘Granddad is looking down on him, he’s not just smiling, he’s going to be crying happy tears. I don’t think he’s anywhere near as proud of him as I am.’    

Libby also grew emotional as she recalled experiencing mental health issues after winning two gold medals at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, held in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.

Dancing to The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), the Paralympic sprinter, 29, shared: ‘I had really bad mental issues after Rio, which my partner helped me through.

‘I achieved everything that I wanted to achieve. The feeling of happiness only lasted for three weeks. I just felt empty and numb, I didn’t have a purpose.

‘I felt guilty that I felt that way. Having my little boy put a whole new perspective to my life. It’ll be the most meaningful dance I’ve ever done’, the sportswoman said, before gaining 38.5 points out of 40. 

Magician Ben, 33, devoted his personal dance to his wife Briony as he skated to Jake Bugg’s Lightning Bolt alongside Carlotta Edwards.

Reflecting on their relationship, the illusionist enthused: ‘We walked out the church and it was the best day of our lives. Me and Bryony met when we were teenagers, I think I loved her instantly. Sometimes my job is tough as I can’t be home a lot. She’s a solo parent sometimes, so it’s a thank you to her for being amazing.’

Earlier in the show, Joe delivered a skilled 70s-inspired solo routine, which secured him 38 out of 40 points before ripping open his shirt to celebrate his best score yet. 

Beaming with delight, he opened his shirt to reveal his abs as he celebrated his result alongside his professional partner Alex Murphy, who joined him mid-way through the set.

Entertaining the crowd, ex-soap star Joe – who sported a mullet during the set – performed a series of groovy moves, with his routine even featuring the famous worm dance.

After judges Ashley, John, Jayne and Chris all awarded the comedian 9.5s, he gushed: ‘I nearly hit the stage so guys thank you so much for that!’ 

Choreographer Chris poked fun at his kooky hairstyle as he joked: ‘If I squint a little bit, you look like Rod [Stewart!]’

Ben was the first hopeful to take to the rink with his professional partner Carlotta, after revealing she sliced his arm with her skating boots during an intense rehearsal.

Despite his minor injury, the TV presenter was on cloud nine as he managed to gain his highest score of the series – 37.5 points out of 40. 

The dancers were in great spirits after scoring 37 points on last week’s edition, but experienced a setback with the incident.

Visibly concerned, the illusionist asked producers: ‘Can I still skate?’, before producers gave him the go-ahead. 

After performing a solo 45-second set before the Canadian dancer stepped in for a Jazz-inspired routine, judge Ashley awarded Ben with a 9, before John, Jayne, and Christopher, all scored him 9.5s. 

‘I’ve been stressed all week so I’m relieved’, he cheered.

After surviving the skate-off for a second week in a row, Libby raised the roof with an impressive number which earned her 39 points out of 40.

Receiving two 10s from Olympic winners Jayne, 62, and Chris, 61, the runner admitted she was worried about dancing alone as she told hosts Holly and Phil: ‘I was so terrified, I’m not going to lie.’  

Last week, Perri and Vanessa gained the first perfect 10 of the series from all the judges except Chris. Hoping to win the skater over, the Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off star and his professional partner, 23, transformed into commander Perri and magnificent Vanessa for a superhero-inspired dance.

He attempted to top his personal best, but scored a 9 from his Diversity co-member Ashley, 31, a 9.5 from actor John, 52, and 10s from dancing duo Jayne and Chris.

Despite scoring lower than last week’s dance, the hunk enthused: ‘I wanted a 10 from Christopher! We’ve been so focused on two routines, so I always think, is my posture right?’

Ashley was met with boos from the audience for his score, but stood by his evaluation as he shared: ‘There’s no doubt about it, your skating is unreal, but from a choreography standpoint, that was one of your weakest skates.’

After the four contestants each performed their two dances, presenters Holly and Phil announced Ben and Libby landed in the skate-off.

With only judge John deciding to save Ben, the Tricked star was sent home. Reflecting on his time on the show, he said: ‘It’s been amazing, Carlotta’s been amazing. I am going to miss skating with you. 

Echoing his comments, Carlotta gushed: ‘I’ve been a pro skater for 13 years, and my time with Ben has been the highlight of the career!’

Ahead of next week’s show, it has been claimed that former contestant Caprice Bourett has been banned from the series final after she publicly slammed ITV in the wake of her fall out with Hamish Gaman.

The model, 48, is said to be not be ‘welcome’ at the grand finale which traditionally sees all celebrity contestants from the series gather for one last time.

The news comes after Caprice, who quit the show earlier this month, hit out at show bosses for not having a ‘duty of care’ after she accused Hamish, 36, of ‘bullying’ her.

A source told the Daily Star: ‘Producers want the final to be a celebration. There is so much planned for the big night. 

‘So the last thing they want is for the focus to be on Caprice. They don’t want her there. Her exit is not something they want to dwell on. So everyone will be back apart from her.’ 

Meanwhile, a show insider told MailOnline: ‘Caprice’s representatives clearly stated at the time of her departure that she was “no longer participating in Dancing On Ice”. 

‘There have been no discussions of bans or warnings from series producers because her taking part in the show simply ended at that point. Suggestions that any such conversations took place are complete nonsense.’ 

A separate source told MailOnline: ‘Caprice was never planning on going to the finals after she had quit. She does not want any affiliation with Dancing on Ice after what has happened. 

‘Caprice is up for a prestigious business award tonight for her continued work in entrepreneurship and encouraging women in business.’

MailOnline has contacted a Dancing On Ice spokesperson for comment at the time of publication.    

Dancing On Ice’s finale will air next Sunday at 6pm on ITV.