For the first time in Dancing on Ice history the remaining couples were split into teams!

Laura and Sam were the nominated team captains and they had to pick their own team members – reminiscent of the team picking that goes on in school when you don’t want to be the last person standing!

As well as skating their solo routines there was the additional pressure of a team number.

The winning team would get their individual points doubled and therefore helping them stay out of the skate-off!

The teams ended up as Laura, Denise and Chloe and Sam, Jeff and Johnson.

So with more points hanging in the balance the competition has really started!

Denise Welch and Matt

I really admire Denise’s determination to do her best in this competition. She isn’t the best and doesn’t have the most beautiful skating but for a woman her age she is doing fantastic. I think having the team number in addition to the solo routine this week has been slightly detrimental for her, as some of the lift entries were ungainly although once they were in position they looked nice. The slow song “Alone” complimented her style better than the quicker paced number as it gives her some thinking time as she skates. At a score of 15 she was half a point higher than last week, which probably confirms that the slower tempo does suit her better. The highlight of this routine was her husband coming onto the stage and having words with Jason! You really cannot beat live TV!

Jeff Brazier and Isabelle

In practice before the show Jeff was doing a lift with Isabelle and they had a really bad fall, with Isabelle taking the worst of it. I thought that it would have unnerved him but although there were some minor stutters in the routine he skated really well once again. The big seat lift worked fine, as did the smaller lifts and the spin at the end. They were a little out of sync at the beginning on the walking steps and crossovers but then he really got into his stride. I thought this routine was much better for the performance aspect and he looked to be enjoying it. I think because he is confident with his basic skating more energy can be directed into getting into character and projecting to the cameras and audience.

Sam Attwater and Brianne

Apparently Sam’s quest for the “10” is underway! After scores of 9 last week, he is well on the way to achieve this. To help in with this, Sam was sent to a personal trainer to work on his strength to make the lifts stronger. He managed a “platter” lift with Brianne above his head but I thought the landing on this was slightly heavy. Also, the heavy toe picks were back on the backwards skating. I think the fast pace and style of last week’s number masked some of his weaknesses and these came to the forefront during this slower pace routine. Tonight seemed to be much more hard work for them tonight both in the skating and the performance. I think everyone has a tough week and possibly this was Sam’s although I don’t think it helped with him changing a lift planning by Torvill and Dean at the last minute! When Jayne let that slip Jason’s eyes lit up!

Chloe Madeley and Michael

Skating to “New York (Empire State of Mind)” Chloe was sent to the English National Ballet to work on her arm lines. They had a lovely handstand lift, which Chloe executed beautifully even though she cannot do a handstand on the floor! The skating was strong and she was low in the knees, which made it look very smooth. The routine was difficult with everything linked together with turns, steps and lifts. The opening move was a lift and blended seamlessly into the routine and the connection between her and Michael was great. I was really pleased that Chloe got her highest score as it was very well deserved.

Johnson Beharry and Jodeyne

A slow paced number for Johnson this week skating to “You Are So Beautiful To Me”. Starting apart from Jodeyne it is clear that he has made mass improvements in his basic skating. He managed an overhead lift with Jodeyne although he struggled with locking his arms but he managed to do it eventually. I thought the slow music really suited him and there was a big increase in the number of lifts throughout the routine. He managed a spin lift at the end with Jodeyne at waist height and also some mini lifts. You cannot help but enjoy watching him as he has such an infectious smile. He achieved his highest score of the series, which I am so pleased about as his improvements are beginning to be acknowledged!

Laura Hamilton and Colin

Skating to “I’m So Excited” Laura delivered an exciting and dynamic routine. It was packed with content and lifts which were all linked together seamlessly and all done with a smile on her face! I just really enjoyed watching it as I couldn’t take my eyes off her – she really attacked the programme. The performance was great and the last lift – balancing on Colin’s head on her tummy – was completely really well. What made this programme the best on the night was the in-between bits – the lifts are great but because the skating technique was so good it just blended together and looked fab. The highest score of the series so far and so it should be!

Team Challenge!

Judges are looking for synchronicity and timing and teamwork – which is not an easy thing to do!

The first in line to perform was Team Sam! Chloe and Johnson were his chosen skaters and they have been rehearsing all week to perfect this. Johnson said that he was the weak link in the chain but he was working to get stronger – which is an honest statement from him although I think Sam is privileged to have him and Chloe as a member. Skating to “Don’t Feel Like Dancing” they all skated this number extremely well! Wearing bright orange outfits they all looked really well on the ice and there didn’t appear to be any glitches. All members of Team Sam said that they had the most fun performing that routine.

Team Laura skated next and Denise was having a problem with lunges and Jeff was feeling the pressure of skating with two male professionals! Skating to “Rocking All Over The World” Isabelle and Laura had a little stumble just getting onto the ice! Having said that this routine was such fun to watch and so energetic with roll up lifts in time with each other and also slightly longer individual sections with Laura doing a “wrist ripper”!

It was a difficult one to judge as both routines had their own qualities. Jason went for Laura, Robin voted for Sam leaving Emma to make the final decision. Laura went for Team Laura so with two votes to one every person on Laura’s team had double points, which really shook up the scoreboard! This week the viewing public had to pick up the phone and vote for their favourite to ensure that they stayed!

The Skate Off

So six couples skated trying to win the vote to stay in the competition and Johnson and Denise found themselves in the bottom two and having to skate again. Denise was up first and looked to thoroughly enjoy it. She relaxed more as well which helped with her skating. Johnson skated well also and he seemed to love having the chance to skate again!

It was a close call this week with both Denise and Johnson having their strengths and weaknesses but Johnson won the judges vote 3-0.

I am really pleased with this result as Johnson has been showing more improvement but it is sad to see Denise leave, as she seems a great laugh!