Ekin-Su Culculoglu to compete in dance-off after failing to impress viewers

Ekin-Su Culculoglu is in danger of going home after a public vote landed her in the dance-off as six celebrities competed on the first episode of Dancing On Ice 2023. The

judges were thrilled by the Love Island winner, 28, and her professional partner Brendyn Hatfield’s steamy routine to Britney Spears’ Toxic – but they were disappointed by her

skating ability. Culculoglu scored 21.5 points from the judges, which was not the lowest score on Sunday night, as the first group of skaters took to the ice in ITV’s split

premiere. However, combined with the public voting for their favourites at home, she ended up at the bottom and will now face one of five celebrities who will compete next

week. Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Oti Mabuse said she “loved” Culculoglu’s performance as it was “hot, hot, hot – from the outfit to the make-up”. Olympian

skater Jayne Torvill agreed it was “sexy” but said: “I want more skating.” After finding out she was at the bottom, Culculoglu said: “I’ve been really ill as well, and it’s

like, I know it’s not an excuse, but I just got back up and, you know…” Nile Wilson, who delivered an emotional dance to Harry Styles’ Sign Of The Times, received the

highest score of the night from the judges of 29.5. The retired Olympic gymnast, 26, who is partnered with a new addition to the 2023 line-up – ice dancer Olivia Smart, was

said by Olympic skater Christopher Dean to be like a “dog with a bone” when he tries to get his movements right. This dogged approach payed off as Diversity dance troupe

founder Ashley Banjo said: “Sometimes you see a performance and have to remind yourself you’re in week one.”