TV
Alex Murphy: Dancing on Ice standard is high this year
Former Dancing on Ice professional skater and reigning champion Alex Murphy says she can’t remember the scoring being so impressive during her time on the show and thinks the calibre of skaters could be at an all-time high.
Some fans of the show took to social media to criticise the scoring system in the early parts of the series, but Murphy believes that the judges have been fair, and it shows that the quality of the current contestants is high.
“I’m not sure if there were any marks wrong, but I remember my first season the score never being so high, so it’s obviously a very high calibre of skaters this season,” she told William Hill.
“I am curious as to what will happen as the show goes on as the scores only go so high. There isn’t too much room for improvement.
“It’s hard to pick who did the best this week. I think all the contestants did amazing and definitely some were more comfortable than others. But a stand-out for me was Lady Leshurr in the skate-off. She really went for it and deserved to stay.”
Myleene Klass was the first to leave the series this year, and Murphy admitted while it was a shame to see her depart, it was the correct decision to keep others in the contest.
“Unfortunately, yes (she deserved to go). I think her nerves may have got the best of her and the competition is tough this year.
“On the plus side, I think Lady Leshurr will have fire in her belly after winning that skate-off! She really went for it and deserved to stay,” she said.
And the American skate queen also believes that Graham Bell has plenty more to show in the competition, and his experience will be invaluable in the weeks to come.
She said: “He’s definitely one of the most comfortable. His skiing background has transferred over, and he could be one to watch. I also applaud him so much for being able to step in with a new partner in such a short space of time! I know how that can feel. I think this is an amazing team to watch and I have a good feeling about these two.
“Billie Shepherd was also very entertaining. I’m so impressed by the fact that she’s never danced or skated before like some of the other contestants. She is a real beginner and to be able to perform like that in her first week is amazing!”
And another of Murphy’s ones to watch in the coming weeks is Joe Warren-Plant, after the actor recovered from a fall in the opening episode to deliver a strong performance in week two.
“I’m excited to watch him skate a clean routine as he is also a very strong skater,” she said.
“When I was skating with Brian McFadden, we had a few weeks when we just kept making mistakes and I know how hard it can be to get out of that rut. I’m looking forward to seeing him skate as I know he will do well when there are no mistakes.”
