Dancing on Ice 2021 FINAL: Faye Brookes, Sonny Jay and Colin Jackson compete after ‘cursed’ series

Dancing On Ice 2021 kicked off its grand final in stellar fashion on Sunday as Faye Brookes performed a terrifying headbanger.

The actress took to the rink with a sensational Showcase to Katy Perry‘s Teenage Dream as she competed opposite Sonny Jay and Colin Jackson for the coveted ice trophy.

It comes after this year’s Dancing On Ice, shortened by a week due to its troubles, was plagued with woes, with five stars forced to pull out due to injury or positive Covid tests.

For their first skate, each couple took to the rink with a spectacular Showcase, featuring an array of moves and lifts in a hope of winning over the judges and viewers.

Faye and Matt were up first with a fun performance to Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, including a daring move which saw the actress spun round on a lilo before launching herself onto the ice, before being sent soaring into the air for the infamous Headbanger.

The pair came perilously close to a perfect 40 with 38 points, and were praised for tackling the complicated elements thrown in by Jayne and Chris, who choreographed the skate.

Ashley said: ‘You really did put a lot on their plates, all those elements about 100 props and what was nice to see was that such a packed routine. You handled that routine so so brilliantly and I think you really came into your own.’

Christopher added: ‘Amazing start to the show, we threw a lot at you this week in a short amount of time and you did amazing.

‘There were a couple of little things there didn’t go quite right but you’re getting used to covering them and being professional on the ice.’

Sonny and Angela opted for a medley of songs from George Formby featuring a cameo from the DJ’s beloved ukelele, and came even closer to a full house with 39.5 points.

John said: ‘You were skating like a pro out there. This pair I love watching, throughout the entire skate it was characterisation, and you bought your own person to it, so it was a definite sunny delight and a 10.’

Greatest showman: Judge John put on a typically flamboyant display in a gold sequinned suit as he strutted onto the stage before taking his place on the panel

The final kicked off with a stellar performance from the professional skaters, giving fans their first glimpse of the three competing couples before taking to the rink.

Judge John put on a typically flamboyant display in a gold sequinned suit as he strutted onto the stage before taking his place on the panel.

Ahead of the final, Faye spoke candidly about her experience taking part in the challenging show, admitting she was surprise how emotional she’d been taking part in the show.

We want it! Ahead of the final, Faye (pictured far left) spoke candidly about her experience taking part in the challenging show, admitting she was surprise how emotional she’d been taking part in the show

She said: ‘I knew it was going to be tough but I don’t think I realised how tough and I didn’t think that I would love it this much! 

‘All the hard work is worth it and I never anticipated the journey that I have had. Whether that be based on what the judges said to me week by week; the changing of my pro partner five weeks in; skating with Matt for one week and then getting 40 out of 40 in the semi-final – you could not write that! I’m so happy! 

‘This show is the best thing ever, honestly. I’ve loved it. I wouldn’t change a thing as well. I really wouldn’t.’ 

The former Coronation Street star added: ‘I’ve never pushed my body to this kind of limit. I don’t think I’m going to miss the bruises and I’ve scratched my hands on the ice. 

‘One of my legs – because that’s the one that we tend to use for the male to grab for lifts and then the other leg is all pretty and pointed – well that leg basically has paw prints all the way down the back of my hamstring! 

‘Each day I’m going home and soaking in the bath with all of the salts that I have. I’ve been bathing twice a day. I’m like a lady of leisure now! I wake up in the morning so stiff I have to have a quick dunk with all the magnesium salts just to get me moving and then it’s up, stretch and go!’

Important: Sonny (far right) reflected on his incredibly moving performance during last week’s semi-final, which he dedicated to his late friend ‘Producer Joe’ Lyons

Colin said he was hoping to continue skating even after the final was wrapped, saying: ‘Yes, as a hobby because there are still things that you want to improve on. I definitely will keep skating. It would be a shame to waste it. You spend so long on the ice so, for me, I will definitely keep it up.’

He added: ‘What I’ve taken away is that I can still get out there and do things. Age is only but a number in that sense, if you put your mind to something. 

‘I thought my days of making finals were long behind me, so to get into a competition and to be in another final has just been fantastic. So, for me it’s just hopefully inspiring for other people of a certain age group and to say get out there, try something new and see what you can achieve.’

Sonny reflected on his incredibly moving performance during last week’s semi-final, which he dedicated to his late friend ‘Producer Joe’ Lyons.

Dramatic: This year’s Dancing On Ice has proven to be the show’s most turbulent yet with five celebrities forced to withdraw due to injury or positive Covid tests 

He said: ‘When I signed up to the show I knew one of the things you could get to do was a personal skate. I didn’t know what week it would be in but I always had in my head that it was the one skate I wanted to do. 

‘It meant so much to me and I knew it would be such a nice tribute to Joe. Honestly, after that even if I did go I would have thought I’d completed it. Of course, getting great scores and going through to the final has been a bonus.’

The Capital Radio DJ added: ‘I didn’t expect it to be emotional at all. I expected it to be fun and it’s obviously ticked that box and beyond but the emotional side absolutely not. 

‘Now it makes sense – you’re going on a journey that’s a very intense one. If I’d have gone out a few weeks ago maybe it wouldn’t be as emotional as it is now. The competition starts to ramp up, you start to go actually I’m in this. I am a contender and I should believe in myself and back myself. You never know.’ 

This year’s Dancing On Ice has proven to be the show’s most turbulent yet with five celebrities forced to withdraw due to injury or positive Covid tests.

‘Gutted’: Jason Donovan (left) was the latest celebrity to depart the show following a back injury, and Joe-Warren Plant and his partner Vanessa Bauer (right) were forced to withdraw after they tested positive for COVID 

Last month show bosses announced that the series had been cut short after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus.   

It was also confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21.

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.

‘Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times. 

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’ 

Dropping numbers: Reality star Billie Faiers was the second celebrity to leave the show when she suffered a concussion in training, after already missing a week of the show following the tragic death of her grandmother

It comes after the show took a one-week break in February with the show not airing on February 21, to give skaters time to recover following a series of axes.

This year’s series has been hit by a long line of celeb exits, leaving some to think the season is ‘cursed’, and producers to run out of ‘back ups’ for the first time.

Jason Donovan was the latest celebrity to depart the show following a back injury, as he announced last month that he would not be returning to the ITV show. 

Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren Plant and his pro partner Vanessa Bauer were forced to withdraw after they both tested positive for COVID-19 while Denise Van Outen exited the show after injuring her shoulder in three places and dislocating it.

Drop out: Comedian Rufus Hound quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19, despite automatically advancing to Musicals Week after being awarded with a Golden Ticket by the judging panel

Oh dear: Denise (pictured with Matt Evers last month) was forced to drop out too with a dislocated shoulder after just one performance

Billie Faiers was then forced to quit the competition after hitting her head and suffering from a concussion, while Rufus Hound announced his shock exit after testing positive for coronavirus. 

As well as the celebs, pro skater Yebin Mok, who was partnered with Graham Bell, had to bow out of the show following a freak accident which saw her suffer ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’.  

And skater Hamish Gaman, who had been competing with Faye, also withdrew from the series following an injury while putting on a sock. 

Filming for the 2021 series was only able to take place with the introduction of strict Covid-19 guidelines, which also meant the entire series was filmed without a live audience.

Skating couples formed bubbles to ensure they could perform and train safely, and social distancing was maintained due filming, with all the judges separated by perspex screens, and the cast have had regular coronavirus tests throughout their time in training.

Dancing On Ice 2021: The ‘Cursed’ Series

January 13

Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’. 

While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced by Karina Manta. They were voted out the following weekend.

Ouch! Graham Bell’s partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’

Out! While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced

January 26

Denise Van Outen announces she’s quit Dancing On Ice after learning she’d fractured her shoulder in an accident during training. 

The presenter, 46, shared an Instagram statement telling fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training.

Denise was replaced by retired Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler, 21, who made her debut on the ice the following weekend alongside pro Joe Johnson. Amy and Joe were voted off on February 14.

Injury! Denise Van Outen announced she’d quit after fracturing her shoulder in training

Gone! The presenter told fans she’d withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training [pictured with pro partner Matt Evers]

January 28 

Billie Shepherd reveals her grandmother Wendy has tragically passed away. She died age 77 from pneumonia.

In the wake of the news it was revealed that the former TOWIE star wouldn’t appear in the next episode of the ITV skating show following the death.

January 31

Rufus Hound misses the live show due to coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.

Positive! Rufus Hound quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19

February 3 

Rufus Hound quits the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19. 

The comedian, 41, took to Twitter to announce the news. He posted an accompanying video message explaining why he regretfully had to withdraw from the ITV skating competition.

Show bosses confirmed that Rufus and his professional partner Robin Johnstone would be both be stepping down and replaced by Matt Richardson, 29, and his pro-skater partner Vicky Ogden.

They were voted out after just one performance. 

Tragedy! Billie Shepherd’s grandmother died, after which she suffered a concussion and had to pull out [pictured with pro Mark Hanretty]

February 6  

Billie Shepherd is forced to quit the show after suffering a concussion following a fall in training. 

The Mummy Diaries star, 31, reportedly went to hospital for an MRI scan after being left unconscious following the accident.

The next day, Billie shared a photo of herself with professional partner Mark Hanretty from their ‘first and last’ dance as she confirmed her exit.

An ITV representative also confirmed to MailOnline that Billie would not be replaced for the remainder of the competition. 

Next out! Joe-Warren Plant was the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus

Crestfallen! The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’

February 12

Joe-Warren Plant becomes the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was ‘disappointed’ to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was ‘heartbroken’.

The professional skater revealed the pair got the ‘shock’ phone call during rehearsals on Thursday evening and said they ‘both feel fine’.

February 14

Jason Donovan, 52, pulls out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain.

The former Neighbours actor said in a statement: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out. 

‘I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.’

He sent a video message into the show wishing his fellow contestants luck for the episode. 

Painful! Jason Donovan, 52, pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain

Another one bites the dust! Hamish Gamin was forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’

February 15

ITV announce that Dancing On Ice will not air on February 21, but will be back, live on February 28. 

The purpose of the break was to allow the stars a week off to give both cast and crew a chance to ‘recharge and rest up’.

In a statement from an ITV spokesperson, it was revealed that show bosses felt it ‘prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture’ to protect ‘the welfare of all of those involved.’

February 16

Pro skater Hamish Gaman quits what is increasingly being referred to as the ‘cursed’ show. 

Hamish, 37, is forced to bow out after injuring his hand ‘whilst putting on a sock’.

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.

‘We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal.’

Faye remains in the competition but is instead partnered with Matt Evers, who was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen.   

Bye! An ITV spokesperson told MailOnlin – ‘Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition’

February 22

Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury.

The Neighbours star, 52, had pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live episode to recover but on the advice of medics is not returning to the competition. 

He announced the news on Facebook, saying he’s ‘completely gutted’ to leave as he thanked his pro partner Alexandra Schauman for all her support. 

Jason said: ‘I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue which occurred on DOI about 10 days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can’t continue the competition and therefore have to withdraw.    

‘It’s a nightmare and I’m completely gutted, we put so much work into getting to this point, but I have to respect my health and body moving forward and that’s my biggest priority.’

February 26

ITV confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. 

‘The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March. Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’

Another exit: Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury, announcing the news on Facebook (pictured with Alexandra Schauman in February)