ITV Dancing on Ice fans slam 'signature' feature of show that's 'horrific' to watch

ITV Dancing on Ice fans criticised an iconic feature of the show which made its return during Sunday’s (February 9) episode - with one saying it was “horrific” to watch.

The ice skating competition returned to our TV screens on Sunday evening, with the celebrities battling it out to win the highest scores from judges Oti Mabuse, Ashley Banjo, Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean.

It was particularly tense as the Skate Off returned this week, which would see the two celebrities with the lowest marks having to skate again to win the judges’ approval.

In Sunday’s episode, The Only Way Is Essex star Dan Edgar performed his routine with partner Vanessa James, to Lionheart (Fearless) by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan.

It featured a daring move that crops up in every series - the headbanger. It see the man hold the woman by the ankles as he spins her around, getting its name from the fact her head comes dangerously close to the ice.

The move is risky but pays off with generous scores from the judges - in fact Dan and Vennas scored 38 out of 40, the highest of the series so far. Oti praised the move, while Chris said: “Vanessa wouldn't let you do the headbanger unless she trusts you, so she must really trust you.”

But fans criticised the move on X, with some saying it needs to be scrapped, while others said it was too scary to watch. @xChuChux911 said: “Headbanger? It's not really that special anymore. Lets see props, jumps and spins.”

@xxncisaddictxx added: “The headbanger is no longer impressive imo but it's like a signature for the show.” @jobie043 wrote: “Watched #dancingonice for years, but still can’t handle watching them do the headbanger.”

@karen_renton posted: “One day someone is going to lose a body part with that head