Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse has insisted it’s ‘tougher’ for stars with previous experience to compete on the skating show.

The ITV show has previously seen Strictly Come Dancing alumni James Jordan and Brendan Cole compete on the famous rink, sparking complaints from viewers over their renowned dance skills.

Speaking ahead of Movie Week, Oti said that for her former Strictly co-stars it can be tougher learning to perform on the ice, as it’s a stark contrast to the years of dance training they’ve had.

She said: ‘A lot of the time when you do have dance experience, I know from being a professional dancer, you’re told to straighten your knees, make sure you’re always on your tippy toes. 

‘And on this, you’re doing the actual opposite. You have to bend your knees, you have to flex your feet and then at the end, whilst wearing heavy, heavy skates, point them. So it’s quite different. 

‘If someone has dance experience and has the training in their brain and the anatomy of dance, to actually come onto the ice and do well – it’s not harder because they pick up choreography, they hear music – but it’s not always an advantage. 

Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse has insisted it’s ‘tougher’ for stars with previous experience to compete on the skating show amid fix claims

The ITV show has previously seen Strictly Come Dancing alumni James Jordan (pictured) and Brendan Cole compete on the famous rink, sparking complaints from viewers 

‘Sometimes it’s a disadvantage and people scrutinise you differently. You are judged at a different level to other people. 

‘For some reason the sympathy seems to be less and people expect more from you if you’ve had some dance background. So it can be tougher for them.’

James was crowned Dancing On Ice champion in 2019 alongside professional partner Alexandra Schauman, but some fans complained that he had an unfair advantage due to his Strictly experience.

Similar criticism was aimed at Brendan Cole, who made it to the final with Vanessa Bauer in 2022.

Oti went onto add that it was Brenda’s emotional skate to Harry Styles’ Falling that is still her favourite performance, adding: ‘Brendan and Vanessa once did a performance on the ice in the rain and with umbrellas. 

‘I thought that was the most beautiful, Sєxy, sensual artistic number I’ve ever seen. It was stunning. 

‘Especially because they had this effortless flow and continuous movement across the ice. It almost looked like they were flying. It was such a special moment.’

The new series of Dancing On Ice is just two weeks in, but viewers have already predicted an early favourite to win the series.

Speaking ahead of Movie Week, Oti said that for her former Strictly co-stars it can be tougher learning to perform on the ice, as it’s a stark contrast to the years of dance training they’ve had

Similar criticism was aimed at Brendan Cole, who made it to the final with Vanessa Bauer in 2022

The Traitors star Mollie Pearce took to the rink for her debut performance on Sunday night, and immediately impressed with six lifts.

Skating to the Olivia Rodrigo hit Vampire, Mollie and her professional partner Colin Grafton earned a score of 29.5 points out of 40, placing them in second place on the overall leaderboard, and top on the night.

It was also a skate that led many fans to predict she could be crowned series champion, especially as the judges branded her ‘one to watch.’

Posts on X included: ‘Definitely the best skate so far of all of this year’s couples. That was a brilliant performance from Mollie and Colin;’

‘Need Mollie Pearce to be the first woman to win #DancingOnIce in 12 years because that was IT!!;

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‘Mollie was really good! She’s a great actress and so smooth on he ice, with a month less than everyone else I’m very impressed. Her and Colin have great chemistry too. Loved that; ‘Early prediction: Mollie for the win;’

‘@ColinGrafton and Mollie. OMFG wow!! What an incredible start to ur Dancing On Ice journey!! Incredible routine and amazing choreography!! Huge well done.’

It came as Chelsee and Andy were the first couple to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice 2025.

Comedian Josh Jones skated through to Movie Night after landing himself in the bottom two alongside Chelsee, and in a big format change there was no skate off for the first elimination. 

Chelsee was at the bottom of the leaderboard when she performed last weekend with 22 points. 

Dancing On Ice continues Sunday at 6.25pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.