Coleen Nolan became the 10th celebrity to leave to Dancing on Ice, narrowly missing out in a place in the final, after appearing in the skate off with Donal MacIntyre. The judges unanimously chose to save Donal and it was the first time during the series that Coleen had been in the skate off.
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Girls Aloud flew into the Dancing on Ice studio to perform their latest single, Untouchable; the perfect opening for the Dancing on Ice semi-final.
Looking like Greek goddesses in long flowing gowns, the girls treated us to a performance of another sure-fire hit, as Torvill and Dean skated an impressive routine which involved circling round the singing girlies and flying above them.
Next it was time for the nervous celebrities who this week were required to skate out of the tunnel by themselves and perform the first twenty seconds of their routine solo.
First on to the ice was undercover reporter Donal MacIntyre.
Skating to Live and Let Die, by Paul McCartney and Wings, Donal completed the required element of a 20 second solo spot at the start of his performance. He looked confident and actually went above and beyond the requirement, skating solo for almost 45 seconds.
Christopher Dean said: “Donal, when we saw you six months ago we never thought you would come this far, but the amount of time effort and perspiration you put in, it’s great to have you here.”
Both Robin Cousins and Ruthie Henshall loved the performance awarding Donal 5 points. But Jason wasn’t so kind and gave him 3.5 – much to the audience’s disgust.
Ray Quinn looked red hot in his flamenco style costume.
Next up was Ray Quinn.
Torvill and Dean decided that Ray’s skate this week would have a Latino theme. He relished this challenge as he has been performing Latin and ballroom dancing most of his life, but could he take his transfer his skills to the ice?
Of course he could.
Skating to Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias, Ray gave another jaw dropping performance.
Nicky Slater awarded Ray 6 for his snake hips, and the other judges gave him 5.5, which meant he scored 28 out of 30.
Speaking after, Ray said that this was: “one of his most favourite routines.”
Partner Maria Filippov added: “he was so sexy out there, I was like waow.”
Nicky said: “he’s so far above everyone else now.”
What an act to follow, and that unenviable task went to Coleen Nolan.
Poor Coleen. Last week she injured her wrist, this week the Loose Women suffered a sprain to her rib and lower back.
Determined to skate though she performed to You’re Still the One by Shania Twain and made her way through the routine at a gentle pace.
Skating partner Stuart Widdall has tears in his eyes as he said: “I’m a bit emotional, we’ve had a rough couple of weeks.”
He wasn’t the only one in tears as Coleen’s husband Ray was in the audience breaking his heart. The routine was particularly emotional for Ray and Coleen, as she was skating to their wedding song.
The judges gave Coleen 16.5, which is a fairly low score by any standard, never mind in the semi-final.
Nicky said: “Coleen, we can all see you’re not doing as much as the other skaters so my heart applauds you but my head says it’s time to go.”
Jason added: “that for me was probably your most boring performance of the series.”
Finally, Jessica Taylor took to the ice.
Having been one of the strongest (if not the strongest) girl in the competition, Jessica appeared on dressed in white, set to prove she deserves to go through to the final.
Skating to Annie Lennox’s Why, Jessica performed a moving and beautiful routine. The judges had previously criticised her for her lack of emotion but there was no sign of that tonight.
Apparently she had been sick with nerves about the required solo spot, but it didn’t show.
Jason, Ruthie and Robin all awarded Jess 5.5, whilst Karen and Nicky gave her 5 which gave her 26.5 overall – her best score of the series so far.
Ruthie Henshall told her: “That was utterly beautiful it oozed emotion. It was breathtaking and stylish and I think you just booked your place in the final.”
Robin added: “in your basics – in some places, it’s better that Ray.”
After Wild at Heart it was back to the Ice studio for the Skate off result.
The first couple through to the final were Jessica and Pavel.
The second couple safe were Ray and Maria.
So Coleen and Donal were in the Skate Off. Coleen looked exhausted and upset but would give it her best shot.
After learning that the Oxford Freestylers were the lucky act to be chosen by Torvill and Dean to perform at next week's final, it was time for Coleen and Donal to skate.
Both perform well but Coleen says she knows she is out. Bubbly to the end she jokes: "Bring on the flowers!"
Karen puts through... Donal. Nicky puts through Donal. Jason puts through yes, you guessed it, Donal. The other judges do too and Coleen is out.
She looks relieved. The Loose lady has entertained and given her all and should be very proud of herself, but sadly, it was time for her to go.
So, Donal in the final alongside Ray and Jessica. Who would have thought?
