Christopher Dean has been criticised for his comments to Dancing On Ice contestant Saara Aalto after her performance on last night’s show.
Saara, 31, performed a never-seen-before trick called the “bladebanger”, which saw the singer spun around by pro skater Hamish Gaman with the blades of her skates.
However, Chris wasn’t keen on the dangerous move despite giving the pair the highest score for their routine.
Read more: DOI’s Christopher Dean criticises Gemma Collins over behaviour on show
Chris, who gave Saara and Hamish an eight out of 10, said: “I love the performance quality but I’m not saying I’m a big fan of that last lift to be honest.”
When host Phillip Schofield asked why he wasn’t keen on the trick, Chris added: “Saara doesn’t have to do anything she just lies back and enjoys the ride.”
As her jaw dropped to the floor, Saara exclaimed: “Oh my goodness!”
Host Holly Willoughby, who was also stunned by Chris’ comment, hit back: “She has to be so brave.”
Chris replied: “She has to be brave but it’s all in his feet.”
Saara said: “I’ve been crying all day because I’ve been so nervous about it.”
Fellow judge Jason Gardiner also didn’t seem impressed with Chris’ remark as he gave his feedback to Saara.
Jason said: “Well, not to be as misogynistic as Chris but what I do like about this couple is that you’re fully committed when you’re out there.”
Viewers also shared their thoughts on Chris’ remark and were quick to defend Saara.
One person said: “‘Saara just has to lie back and enjoy the ride’ Saara got her head and back smacked off the ice, spent all week a nervous wreck AND still went out and gave a great performance. Bit harsh Chris don’t you think?”
Another wrote: “Christopher Dean a bit unkind to Saara,” while a third added: “Saara has to lie back and enjoy it. Wtf! It’s a massive risk, Chris coming across as a bit of a [expletive] there..”
‘Saara just has to lie back and enjoy the ride’ saara got her head and back smacked off the ice, spent all week a nervous wreck AND still went out and gave a great performance. bit harsh Chris don’t you think? #DancingOnIce
— georgiaa (@simplegee_) 17 February 2019
Christopher Dean a bit unkind to Saara #DancingonIce
— marjorie narey (@marjieN) 17 February 2019
A fourth tweeted: “Why is there a weird vibe on #DancingOnIce, Chris being bizarrely offensive, Jason back on nasty form. Thought Saara was fab.”
Why is there a weird vibe on #DancingOnIce , Chris being bizarrely offensive, Jason back on nasty form…it’s almost as though the most controversial character was eliminated last week Thought Saara was fab #doi
— StrictlySuperFan33 (@fan33) 17 February 2019
Others agreed with Chris.
One person said: “Christopher Dean was spot on. Saara doesn’t have to do anything except lie there. Therein lies the problem with all female celebs on the show.”
Christopher Dean was spot on. Saara doesn’t have to do anything except lie there. Therein lies the problem with all female celebs on the show #DancingOnIce
— Big Daddy Chris (@CHR1S_) 17 February 2019
“Saara doesn’t need to do anything, she just needs to lie back & enjoy the ride” .. Ohh Chris #dancingonice
— (@LaurenMcKenna92) 17 February 2019
Read more: Dancing On Ice viewers say show ‘isn’t the same’ without Gemma Collins
Last night, viewers saw Coronation Street actress Jane Danson and former Cricketer Ryan Sidebottom sent home along with their respective partners Sylvain Longchambon and Brandee Malto in a double elimination.
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