Michaela Strachan fans fiercely defend star as ITV Dancing on Ice ‘overmarking’ row erupts: ‘2025 champion!’
Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan topped the Dancing on Ice leaderboard on Sunday night in a spectacular series premiere, scoring 30.5 points out of a possible 40 in her debut performance.
However, some fans expressed their complaints throughout the show as they thought the judges were overmarking the celebrities – but many came to Strachan’s side to defend her.
The Springwatch host left the judges and viewers at home stunned with her first routine to Cole Porter’s Let’s Do It alongside her professional skating partner Mark Hanretty.
Strachan showed off her intense weeks of training and showcased both solo and partner skating, which left many viewers branding her a “dark horse” and delivering the “performance of the night”.
The Springwatch star’s debut was particularly notable for its speed and flow across the ice, with graceful transitions and extensions.
Her 30.5-point score placed the star firmly at the top of the leaderboard, marking a successful entrance into the competition.
Alongside Strachan, Sam Aston and Molly Lanaghan scored 27, Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield scored 26.5, whilst at the other end of the board was Chelsee Healy and Buchanan scored 22.
The results from the judges left many outraged and feeling they had overmarked some of the celebrities and others deserved better scores.
Taking to their X accounts, many took aim at Strachan for making it to the top of the leaderboard as one noted: “Michaela best of the night so far but judges still over marking, would give a 7 at best #DancingonIce.”
Another added: “Overmarked – Michaela wasn’t that good, no skating on her own #DOI #dancingonice.”
However, many were quick to jump to their defence and one exclaimed: “I knew it. Solo skating, a great performance. Michaela Strachan is our first female Dancing on Ice winner in 12 years #DancingOnIce.”
“#DancingOnIce amazing skate from Michaela! She seems fearless, is great on the skates and has nailed the performance side of things. Impressive,” someone else expressed.
A third penned: “She let go of Mark a lot. I thought she was very good. At least she didn’t spend half the routine off the ice up in the air like the other 2 girls.”
“That was a really good effort from Michaela. Lots of energy and performance skills. #dancingonice,” another added before a fifth said: “I knew Michaela was gonna be good from the intro. Best so far. Definitely one to watch #DancingOnIce.” (sic)
Speaking ahead of her debut, Strachan emphasised the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones at her age.
“I think it’s great when you’re a bit older and you are able to push yourself out of your comfort zone,” she told MailOnline.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jeremy Clarkson issues defiant backing of celeb LA wildfire victims amid claim they ‘don’t matter’Simon Cowell issues urgent plea to fans as he breaks silence on Los Angeles wildfires amid UK returnGeneral Hospital star Leslie Charleson, 79, dies as US soap boss issues heartbreaking statement
She also expressed some initial concerns about potential injuries, revealing: “When I first said yes to this, my partner Nick and I rather stupidly looked at a compilation of all the accidents on YouTube.”
Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo all returned to the judging panel, with Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern back as hosts.
The judges’ scoring wasn’t the only thing to get fans talking on Sunday evening as fans also were left less than impressed with the show’s tribute to late contestant, The Vivienne.
Mulhern also came under fire after “nearly hitting” Willoughby during one of his long-running gags.