The solo skating element in tonight’s Dancing On Ice routines will be easier for the boys than the girls, because they are so used to not only skating alone but also lifting and spinning their partners at the same time.

We loved the attitude with which Gary Lucy attacked the ice. He emerged in a spin and though he isn’t as technically good as Hayley Tamaddon, we actually thought he looked more confident and self assured than she did tonight.

Afterwards Gary said:

‘I’m just so relieved that I didn’t trip, I didn’t drop Maria and I didn’t take the camera man out. It went well.’

The judges thought it was a strong performance except for Jason who described him as skating Valium! We thought that was a little harsh, even for Mr Gardiner!