Dancing On Ice skater Dan Whiston has jumped to Max Evans’ defence after that sultry performance last weekend.
The rugby pro and his skate partner Ale Izquierdo performed a breathtaking routine to the Ed Sheeran love song ‘Perfect’, which wowed the judges and co-hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
They earned an impressive 21.5 points for their efforts – the highest score of the series so far!
Holly branded the routine “very romantic” while judges Ashley Banjo, Jason Gardiner and Christoper Dean gushed about the couple’s “connection” on the ice.
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Ashley said: “The connection between the two of you… now I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, but I bought it. I absolutely loved it!”
Jason added: “Your Mexican fire and passion has certainly rubbed off on this boy!”
Some viewers felt the comments were a bit odd given Max is smitten with girlfriend Lauren Jamieson, who was cheering him on from the crowd.
Now Dancing On Ice skater Dan Whiston has come out to defend the performance and subsequent remarks.
In his column for OK! Online, the professional said it’s a GOOD thing if you can generate chemistry with your ice partner, and, of course, it doesn’t mean anything is happening off the ice.
Dan compared skating to acting, pointing out nobody thinks co-stars on TV are getting it on just because their characters make out.
(Well, sometimes they do, but we get his point!)
“Just because two people look in love for a routine, I think people should applaud them on acting the piece out!” he said.
Dan, who is paired with Cheryl Baker, added: “When you watch a soap and you see characters kissing or something, people wouldn’t jump to conclusions about the cast members because it’s acting, and actually skating to a degree, to deliver a good performance, you’ve got to feel it.”
Hear, hear!
Meanwhile, Max paid tribute to his gorgeous other half this week, thanking her for all her support.
Posting a picture of Lauren wearing a ‘Team Max’ shirt, the sportsman gushed: “Thank you, thank you, thank you to my number one supporter & everyone who was Team Max last night!!!
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“There is no greater feeling than making friends & family proud. I appreciate all your support and I can’t thank you enough for giving me another week on Dancing On Ice.”
It was well-deserved, Max!