Anton Ferdinand’s team issue statement amid ITV Dancing on Ice outrage as footballer embroiled in ‘fix’ row
Former footballer Anton Ferdinand has hit back after facing backlash from ITV Dancing on Ice fans over his continued survival in the competition.
The 39-year-old novice skater demonstrated his skills on Sunday night, securing second place on the programme’s latest leaderboard – tying in the position with The Traitors star Mollie Pearce.
Turning his attention to skating, he previously explained that the competition would “give me focus and structure every day” as he admitted struggles in dealing with retirement.
The 39-year-old novice has regularly achieved scores in the mid 30s alongside pro partner Annette Dytrt, 41, in the show so far and this past weekend, both Ferdinand and Pearce finished Week Six with 38.5 points.
Meanwhile, TOWIE star Dan Edgar topped the leaderboard after he scored an impressive 41.
For his routine, Ferdinand sported a flat top hairdo as he and Dytrt danced to You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive for 80’s Week.
Despite a strong week, Ferdinand found himself in the dreaded skate-off – pitted against actress Charlie Brooks, who finished in last place with 31.5.
Judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo decided who would be the next couple to be eliminated as both performed their routine again.
Banjo, Mabuse and Torvill chose to save Ferdinand, meaning no vote from Dean was required.
The judges’ verdict divided fans at home, with several accusing the show of being “rigged” in favour of Ferdinand remaining in the competition, something his team has now addressed.
“He is focused on the Dancing on Ice journey, he’s loved every minute,” they said, per The Sun.
“The comments aren’t fazing him, he’s faced much worse over the years during playing in the Premier League,” they added.
The statement from Ferdinand’s team comes as he gears up for another round of the competition on Sunday evening with just five stars remaining.
Among the backlash levelled his way was one X user who fired back at the result: “Corrupt and fixed!! Anton should’ve been out weeks ago!!!”
Another asked: “Are the judges blind? They voted the best skaters out. Anton was like a wooden plank on the ice same as last week.”
“Anton should have gone last week it’s because he is strong to do lifts, that’s what’s saving him. There is no grace or style on the ice,” a third slammed.
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And a fourth agreed: “I was fuming when Charlie got voted out just seems like a personality competition now. It’s getting ridiculous!” (sic)
Ferdinand isn’t the only DOI star to have faced adversity so far this series, with Chris Taylor’s exit also proving a contentious issue with the fandom.
Sir Steve Redgrave also came under fire for remaining in the competition during its first few weeks at the expense of Chelsee Healey and Ferne McCann.
Fans will have to tune in to Sunday night’s show to see if the former West Ham centre-back has what it takes to stay in the competition for yet another week.