DANCING On Ice has sparked a “fix row” after fans claimed the show is set-up to keep Ekin-Su in the competition.
The Love Island star, 28, went up against John Fashanu, 60, after the public vote left her vulnerable, but the judges opted to send the former footballer packing instead.
The Turkish actress skated to Toxic by Britney Spears with pro partner Brendyn Hatfield, 37, last week in a nude bodysuit – which sparked over 100 Ofcom complaints and a flurry of tweets complaining about the racy outfit.
Although Ekin-Su managed to avoid being the first contestant out, fans have come up with a wild theory as to why she was saved.
One wrote: “Well we know Ekin-Su won’t be going if she’s up against Fashnu, which she should be, I reckon they would have fixed it that way anyway, they don’t want her sent home first.”
Another posted: “Anyone else get the feeling it was weighted in favour of Ekin-Su?
“An extra week to prepare for the skate-off and I wouldn’t bet against ITV leaning on the judges to keep her in to please all the blinkered fans. I know Fash was awful but ES last week was atrocious.”
“I pity who ever is in the dance off tonight with Ekin-Su,” a third said.
“She could come on and stand there and do nothing and the panel will still keep her in because there’s no way their going to lose the money they shelled out to get her on in the first two weeks.”
A fourth added: “So Michelle was marked lower than Ekin-Su when she was clearly more graceful and had more skate content. And so the shameless ‘Lets keep our favourites in’ marking starts.”
On last night’s show John and his professional partner Alexandra Schauman performed once again, this time to Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit In The Sky.
While Ekin and her partner Brendyn Hatfield skated to No Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande.
After the judges voted unanimously to save Ekin, John, who was part of the Wimbledon team that won the FA Cup final against Liverpool in 1988, said: “Whatever happens it has been wonderful. FA Cup final again.”
After the results, a delighted Ekin-Su told her followers: “We made it through! Thank you so much for your support this week, thanks to the judges and thank you Brendyn Hatfield loved every second of that performance…roll on musicals week.”
Ekin was very emotional during the episode and admitted to Holly Willoughby: “I’m not going to lie I was really upset for the last two days and I was literally questioning myself.”
She added: “I’m just like you know what stop this crying Ekin, you’re strong, take on what the judges say, work hard, and I’m here today.”
Many felt she was unfairly underscored receiving 21.5 out of 40 after an “electric” performance – leaving Ekin-Su disappointed.
Host Holly exclaimed: “That may have been the sexiest performance we’ve ever had on Dancing on Ice.”
Ekin-Su brushed off the furore about her routine with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield, saying: “You know what?
“If you have ’em, flaunt them. I mean, if you’ve got a nice bum and you look sexy in a unitard, why not? Who cares?”
