Ben Foden and partner Robin Johnstone is the first couple to be out after being beaten by Ria Hebden in a heated skate-off.
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Fans lash out
Though the sportsman was praised for his effortless simplicity on the skating rink, as judge Christopher Dean commented, he did not receive enough of the public's vote to remain safe.
Ultimately, after the skate-off, the newest judge, Oti Mabuse explained her decision by saying:
I'm going to vote for the couple who took more risks and was enjoyable.
While judge Ashley said:
Well done to both of you, skate offs are never easy but I picked this person for incorporating more elements into the skate.
But this did not sit well with spectators, who believe Foden's elimination was proof that the show is rigged. One such angered viewer shared on Twitter:
FIX - seems ITV can’t have one of there own employees go out after week 1 ! Ben was much better—he lead & lifted seriously he could have gone far.
And another said:
Ria can’t skate without holding her partner quite literally clinging to her partner whilst Ben is lifting his partner such a fix.
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Ben's thoughts on his experience
Despite his short-lived time on the skating rink, the pro athlete has nothing but good things to say about his experience. In his exit interview, Foden expressed gratitude for having been paired up with Johnstone and having had the chance to compete alongside the cast this season. He said:
As I have said before, this woman is so incredible, and it's the people that make this experience. I thought there would be someone who couldn't skate, but turns out it was me.
