Dancing On Ice 2021 kicks off with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby amid Covid-19 pandemic

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Denise Van Outen managed to push through the pain to perform her first routine after dislocating her shoulder on Sunday’s Dancing On Ice launch show – however despite her efforts, she finished bottom of the leaderboard.

The West End star, 46, kept a smile on her face as she completed the choreography, which had been reworked by pro partner Matt Evers after her injury, exclaiming ‘oh my arm’ as she came to a stop and faced the judges. 

Elsewhere in the action packed episode, other accidents were revealed with Rebekah Vardy admitting that she had ‘sliced’ her pro partner Andy Buchanan’s face with her skating blade during rehearsals.

Speaking about how she was feeling, Denise told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: ‘It’s really sore, but because of the adrenaline it’s alright. I’m more concerned I haven’t shaved my armpits for four days!’

Getting a laugh out of everyone, the star managed to smile before the studio was filled with ‘boos’ from the other pros and celebs who were watching when Denise and Matt were given low scores and a paltry total of 19.5. 

Christopher Dean, who was acting as head judge during the launch show, told the star: ‘I know your upper half is working just need to work on the skating now’

While John Barrowman told Denise he could ‘see the nerves, pain and tentativeness’ and added you must ‘bend the knees, I can’t wait to see what you’re like without an injury’

Ashley also told Denise that he had ‘so much respect, the ice is no joke’, before adding that it was ‘interesting to see the contrast’ of her standing on the stage at the start where she looked ‘so at home’. 

The performer’s low scores came up again towards the end of the show when Denise’s beau Eddie and daughter Betsy video called in to show their support.

Eddie told Holly and Phil: ‘Denise has been amazing, the pressure they’re under training every day… she’s come through it as a proper trouper.  

‘The judges were slightly stingy with their points, could have had a couple more for bravery!’ 

Denise also appeared to have recovered from the pain of performing as she rested her aching shoulder and cheekily declared that she’ll be alright as she’s ‘a tough old bird’.

Elsewhere in the show, Rebekah Vardy revealed that she had ‘sliced’ her pro partner’s face with her skating blade during rehearsals. 

Speaking to the camera, the WAG explained how the accident only: ‘Reiterates how dangerous this sport is,  something just nearly off can end in almost taking someone’s eyes out!’ 

Although causing Andy Buchanan’s face to bleed, the pro appeared to be in good spirits as he rocked a few plasters on his face after the mishap.

Becky also revealed that she’s been enjoying her time skating, adding: ‘The ice for me has become a safe zone, not for anything going on with our personal lives. It’s just skating.’  

The skating duo dazzled during their debut routine, with Rebekah being lifted several times and the pair managing to make it look easy as they performed what Phillip Schofield believed to be the series first shoulder balance lift. 

The judges were also impressed with Rebekah’s efforts, with Jayne telling her to work on arm positions in the coming weeks but added that she’s so impressed considering the WAG has never done performing.

John was also full of praise as he said her ‘smile oozes confidence’, before adding ‘if I had to choose you’re my best lady skater.’ 

Expert Chris finished up the comments by telling her that she looked like a ‘natural skater’ however would like to see less lifts as Rebekah was in the air for ’40 seconds during 4 lifts’.

After hearing her comments, Becky told Holly: ‘We wanted to come out and have fun and also in the situation everyones in, it’s a real privilege to be here. We’re really lucky.’    

As well as getting support from her pro partner, Rebekah has been receiving encouragement from her family at home, with the Vardy brood calling in to congratulate her after her performance.  

Her husband Jamie said: ‘I’m over the moon for her, she’s put a lot of work into it, watching videos at home all the time… which gets a bit annoying sometimes!’

While Rebekah’s daughter Megan added: ‘I would have given her a solid 10!’

Holly rounded up the entertaining interview which saw the children sitting and smiling with their footballer dad by joking to Rebekah: ‘You’re doing this to get out of home schooling aren’t you?’ 

Hosts Holly and Phillip opened the show, with the glamorous duo joking that it was ‘nice to get dressed up’ and be out of ‘elasticated waists’ after months of staying at home amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

The This Morning host even displayed golden ticket specially placed inside a plastic wallet to make it ‘sanitised for Phillip’ to ensure all the rules were followed. 

This all-important ticket was later handed over to Rufus Hound after the judges unanimously decided that he should be sent through to the musicals week for his impressive gaming-inspired performance.  

And Rufus was clearly overcome with emotion as he was handed the pre-sanitised golden ticket.

Asked how he felt, he told hosts Philip and Holly: ‘Thank you. I’ve spent most of this year not being terribly emotionally stable because the world stopped making sense. And this does not make more sense of it. But thank you. I don’t know what is happening.’   

Rufus then continued to get political as he referenced the recent scandal of school children being sent food parcels which were supposed to contain £30 worth of product, however many appeared to contain much less.

He said: ‘We live in a world where people we elect don’t want to feed hungry people, this is the least mad thing that’s happened to me in a long time.’ 

Rufus had performed a gaming-inspired routine after his debut performance was moved forwards following pro Yebin Mok and Graham Bell’s accident in rehearsals on Monday.

The comedian managed to nab a 23.5 points out of 40, with judge Ashley Banjo declaring that the routine may have been ‘his favourite’ of the night after being impressed by the theme.

Jayne was also ‘so impressed’ with the skating and Rufus’ performance however she had to mark him lower – with a 5.5 – as she was looking at the moves. 

Chris joked that the star was an ‘unlikely’ dancer but surprisingly was great on the ice.

Jason Donovan had opened the 2021 season with a suave routine alongside pro partner Alexandra, who has been on the show for seven series and even won the show two years ago. 

The performer appeared confident as he completed his routine – even doing the Swan and Rotating Stag moves – and scoring 25 out of 40 to make a not so shabby first score of the season.

Speaking after the routine to Micheal Buble’s version of Moondance, Jason said: ‘It’s tough coming out first, but it’s such a great show and look what we’re doing in this very hard time.. we’re giving people hope.’

While Alex also seemed pleased with their efforts, telling the panel: ‘To be dancing with Jason Donovan, it’s a childhood dream come true!’ 

Chris, who was acting as head judge on Sunday, praised Jason for his impressive first skate telling him he has ‘lots of style, but a little more substance’ would be good for next time.

Ashley Banjo also agreed, telling Jason his ‘showmanship’ was eye-catching and could make him a serious contender for the whole show while Jayne Torvill added: ‘Micheal Buble on ice, what can I say!’  

Elsewhere, Joe-Warren Plant had an interesting start to his time in the competition after falling on the ice.

Although decking it, the Emmerdale actor managed to get back up with a smile on his face and continue the routine alongside pro partner Vanessa Bauer.

However this did hit him in the scores, with Ashley declaring he takes ‘an entire point off’ if there’s a fall in the routine.

Chris added: ‘You gave a performance, even though there was a fall, there’s intricacy in the footwork and you looked comfortable on the ice’.

Lady Leshurr also ensured to showcase her talents as she wowed the judges with a high energy performance and even rapped at the start.

She completed a cartwheel, shoulder sit and release split lift during the fast-paced routine, managing to do it all after injuring her knee in rehearsals.

Not to be forgotten, Lady Leshurr’s partner Brendon also performed a small rap at the end to complete their time on the rink after getting scores.

Later on in the show, Holly revealed that Little Mix had tweeted about Lady Leshurr’s sensational routine saying they had enjoyed the dance set to their tune Salute. 

The pro skaters opened the show was a fantastic and colourful routine with each duo donning a different coloured costume to create a funky rainbow across the ice. 

However judge John Barrowman tried his best to match their sparkling entrance in his own multi-coloured sequin blazer, shaking his stuff as he stepped onto the ice for the first time this year.

Meanwhile, host Holly Willoughby looked radiant as ever as she donned her first outfit for this year’s series.

The TV presenter, 39, was back in action for the new season of the ITV show and donned a pink sheer sleeveless dress for her first night of hosting.

The mother-of-three cut a glamorous figure in the figure hugging garment which featured a sequinned detail and a feathered neckline.

The This Morning star shared a stunning snap of herself to Instagram just before she took to the stage alongside co-host Phillip and told of her delight at the show returning to screens amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

She wrote: ‘Well its back… @dancingonice on @itv at 6pm… it’s incredible that the brilliant team, crew and celebs have made this happened… it’s not been easy and I feel so proud. Gosh it feels good to put a sequin on!’

Stars also attempting to impress with their new-found skating abilities include Myleene Klass, Billie Faiers, Sonny Jay and Graham Bell, who will all properly perform next Sunday after making a quick appearance in a group dance during the launch show. 

Sunday’s launch comes after Denise dislocated her shoulder during rehearsals, with the painful moment captured on camera to reveal her taking quite the tumble after losing her footing and falling forward.

Pro skater Matt goes to grab her, but she slips from his grasp and tumbles onto the ice. While in another shot, a few moments later, she is seen being tended to by a medic, rink-side. 

Denise thanked her fans for their support after she was rushed to hospital on Thursday following the shock fall.

She took to Instagram on Sunday morning to share candid images from a medical centre after partially dislocate her shoulder, and sources say she will still make her debut on the show later in the day.  

Media personality Denise also expressed her gratitude towards ITV and her professional partner Matt for ‘taking care of me when I feel like crying’. 

The TV star wrote: ‘Thank you for all your lovely messages this morning. Told you I’m clumsy on the ice!. 

‘Massive thanks to everyone @itv. (Medics & production) and our glorious @nhswebsite for looking after me because I know how overstretched you are at the moment. 

‘Also thank you to @themattevers for being a true friend and taking care of me and making me laugh when I feel like crying ❤️ . @dancingonice @itv #dancingonice.’ (sic) 

According to The Sun, Denise will perform despite her injury, with an insider claiming: ‘Denise had a huge scare, but she’s determined not to let a dislocated shoulder stop her from performing on the launch show. 

‘She’s had huge support from her skating partner Matt Evers. He’s going to be on hand to make sure tonight goes to plan, despite the difficult circumstances.’

In one photo, the mother-of-one appears to be inhaling air through a device, while another picture saw her flashing a thumbs down sign as she held an ice pack up to her forehead. 

American pair skater Matt, 44, also posted his well wishes for his pal on social media, branding her ‘the most improved star’ he’s worked with in the competition’s history.  

The sportsman, who has served as a dancer on the series since its inception in 2006, said: ‘You’ve come a long way baby! 

‘Tonight @vanouten_denise is the night! Out of my 13 @dancingonice celebs over the years you get the most improved star. Proof that through hard work and dedication you can make a change and even learn to skate.’ (sic) 

TOWIE narrator Denise initially revealed the news to The Sun, stating: ‘I’ve taken a few tumbles since we started training but with this one I knew immediately it wasn’t good.’

Following the assessment at the studio rink at Bovingdon Airfield, Hertfordshire, she was taken to A&E where she had an emergency X-Ray done.

The procedure revealed she had partially dislocated her left shoulder and damaged her tendons, while she was also badly bruised.

According to the publication, Denise was advised to rest in order to recover and help improve her chances of making her debut. 

Denise claimed she couldn’t move her shoulder much following the injury and felt it was ‘touch and go’ whether she could skate before Sunday, though she said she is having ongoing physio.  

She added that she and Matt have changed their routine so that she doesn’t put too much strain on her shoulder, if she will be able to skate. 

Rather than rush her recovery, Denise explained that she and Matt are taking things ‘hour by hour’ and will make a decision before the show airs. 

Following the news, Denise shared a post from Lady Leshurr who wished her a speedy recovery as she shared a picture of them posing in a socially distanced snap. 

Despite being a West End star, with professional dance training and prior experience competing in a live TV show following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Denise admitted on Thursday that she’s still ‘petrified’ of doing Dancing On Ice. 

She explained: ‘You would not believe it – I would fall over from standing talking but you do get used to it. I am less bruised now, which is good. I am less likely to fall than I was three months ago.

‘I have always been petrified of being on the ice and having an injury and falling. I have fallen over in most of my sessions. I was so nervous when I was first on the ice that my whole body would tense and then I would keep falling over.

‘I am trying to stay relaxed and not think about injuries so much because you can never predict what you’re going to happen when you’re on ice.

‘I hope I can get through the competition and not be taken over by injury. It is scary.’ 

Dancing On Ice pro Yebin Mok was also injured ahead of the show’s launch after celeb Graham Bell ‘lacerated her leg’ during training on Monday.

She was taken to hospital for treatment and is now out of action for a ‘couple of weeks’ while resting and getting physio for her injury. Taking to Instagram after the accident, Yebin said she was ‘absolutely gutted’. 

Stars attempting to impress with their new-found skating abilities include Rebekah Vardy, Myleene Klass, Billie Faiers, Sonny Jay and Jason Donovan. 

ITV reassured fans on earlier this month that the show will be back as planned despite the UK being plunged into a third lockdown, however a few new precautions will be in place including perspex dividers between the judges and no audience.

The news came amid claims the celebs and their professional skating partners were concerned about coronavirus hitting the show and it being cancelled. 

The judging panel will be sat far apart, keeping in line with social distancing measures, and perspex panels will be placed between them.

For the first time in its history the studio at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire will have no audience, a move mirroring that of Strictly Come Dancing.

The skating celebrities will also watch each other perform from socially-distanced tables to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.