Former Corrie hunk Danny Young lost out to the hat on props week as the skater failed to nail a difficult catch in the nerve-wracking skate-off.
The actor, who had achieved a personal best earlier on in the night as he skated to the Charlie Chaplin inspired routine, was beaming from ear to ear after receiving praise from the judges for his daring hat tricks.
The novelty routine suited the cheeky-chappy of the competition to a tee and the look was completed on the night with his orange bowler hat and multi-coloured waistcoat as he and his partner Frankie skated to McFly’s All About You.
The Ice Panel were delighted with the routine which included a Torvill and Dean Seesaw lift and a cartwheel hat pick up finale, with Emma Bunton, who scored a whopping 5.5, saying: “I just think your dancing is getting stronger and stronger each week.
“I think the hat is one of the most difficult and you did so well. I thought every week you just bring this different character, last week you were tough, this week you were cute and you are really expressing and having great performances, well done.”
Nicky Slater agreed: “You did capture the character from the off and maintained it, which was so important and you took a couple of risks with props as well were it could go wrong which makes it more exciting for me. The skating is much better the lifts are flowing you are putting her down gently.”
Despite his high score, Danny found himself in the bottom two alongside Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson. Karen voted to save Danny but all the other judges voted to save Kieron.
During the vote, Nicky Slater said: “It was Freddie against Charlie and Charlie was winning. And Charlie was winning, and then Charlie stumbled. So Freddie wins.”
Jason agreed with Nicky’s decision to judge on the use of the prop and deduct for the error, saying: “It’s prop week and you messed up your prop. So tonight I save Kieron.”
Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton concurred commenting. “I’m gutted for you Danny but you did mess up,” before sending Kieron through to next week’s semi final.
On hearing the news Danny reflected on his “amazing time” on the show, thanking Jayne, Chris and encouraging fellow contestant Danniella to go all the way.
Last but not least, he turned to his partner Frankie Poultney, saying: “Frankie has been absolutely amazing to me. She’s brought me through so much. I’ve had a hard journey at some points and she’s been great.”
There are now four soapstars remaining to fight for a place in that elusive final show.
