Matthew Wolfenden had an extra pressure when he performed on Dancing On Ice this evening, because as well as nailing his own routine with professional partner Nina Ulanova, the Emmerdale star also had the responsibility of being team leader for the boys’ group routine later in the show.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, that’s a whole other blog post! Firstly, the hunky actor took to the rink to perform with Nina and as always, we found it hard to believe that he was not a pro skater before he started on the series.

Matt revealed in rehearsals that he was worried about taking on the difficult roll up lift and was concerned that he would drop his professional partner Nina Ulanova. In fact he did drop her at one point during rehearsals, but thankfully she was uninjured. However, it all went alright on the night and as well as the lift, Wolfenden really showed off his dance skills to Olly Murs’ Dance With me Tonight.

We love that he always looks so happy and carefree when he takes to the rink and they duo even managed a headbanger light at the end!

The judges must have felt exactly like us, as they awarded Matt and Nina the highest score of the series so far, a massive 28.5.

JUDGES COMMENTS:

LOUIE SPENCE: Matthew, darling, when I watch the professionals doing the dance numbers you can really differentiate and see what the celebrities are going through and why the pros are the pros. Watching you this evening it was like you were a professional. The ease with which you move on the ice is stunning!

ROBIN COUSINS: Your repertoire of material is growing week by week and we are rarely seeing any repetition. The performer in you is making each performance natural and comfortable to watch. If you have any nerves, or worry about your partner, we see none of that the minute the music starts. It’s brilliant.

KATARINA WITT: Robin has taken the words out of my mouth. It’s dancing, it’s acting, it’s entertaining, you’re skating!

Did you enjoy Matthew’s performance tonight? Leave your comments below.

Also, fans of Matt will be glad to know that after it was announced that he would only be performing in some of the planned tour dates, when the ITV show hits the road later this year. He has managed to work things out with his employers and will now be able to skate in every show. He tweeted the news this week, writing:

So initially Emmerdale could only release me to do Fri, Sat and Sunday for the DOI Tour, but….. I can now do all of the Dates!! Can’t Wait