Joe Swash has been crowned the winner of Dancing on Ice.
The former Eastenders star faced tough competition from Diversity’s Perri Kiely and Paralympian Libby in a nail-biting final on ITV tonight.
After Libby was sent home halfway through the show, it was all down to the Bolero routine made famous by iconic judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics back in 1984.
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And, according to Christopher, Perri’s dance was the “best Bolero” he and his skating partner Jayne have ever seen – a pretty impressive feat, given the fact the original was created 10 years before the pair were born.
But it was “most improved” Joe who took the public vote in the end.
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Christopher Dean praised the dad-of-two, saying he was “amazing” and had come so far, while Ashley Banjo said his routine had been “on point”.
Ashley added: Your journey has been the most satisfying, from where you started to now, well done man.”
John Barrowman added: “It’s been a joy”.
Joe was supported by his family and partner Stacey Solomon was in the audience with baby Rex and Joe’s son Harry.
In his first dance for the finale, dad-of-two Joe unveiled a Charlie Chaplin theme – as well as a tribute to his friend Caroline Flack.
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As he twirled with partner Alex, the hidden message in the poster behind him said “Be Kind Handcream” in a nod to the phrase which has become synonymous with the former Love Island host since her death last month.
Joe then recreated his Nice To Meet you dance from week four, which had the judges so impressed that they dished out another straight run of perfect 10s, making Joe’s total for the night an incredible 80.
It was a night of great scores in the final, much to the annoyance of a few fans on Twitter who were calling for the judges to be taken out of the loop when it comes to the next season, but hosts Phil and Holly and the celebrity panel were all adamant the scores were only what were deserved.
Perri Kiely narrowly missed out to the people’s champion, and also impressed with a tricky back-flip at the beginning of the show.
Christopher said about Perri: “The flavour, smoothness, everything came together.”
Judge John Barrowman said: “It was stunning and amazing, just incredible.”
And Ashley Banjo told his old pal: “You inspire me everyday, my friend, you’re bringing something new to the sport and I want to say congratulations.”
