Props Night on Dancing on Ice 2008 - Greg Rusedski Swept Away

Quarter–final night on Dancing on Ice was also “Props night” as the celebrity skaters and their professional skaters were aided, abetted and at times hampered by their props.

Suzanne Shaw and Matt Evers opened the competition with a good albeit somewhat guarded routine using a straight-backed chair and umbrella. Despite a facial injury to Matt earlier in the week and a chipped ankle bone in Suzanne’s left foot a matter of hours before the show, they still managed to perform their routine and master much more than Duncan from Blue had a year previously with said brolly! They scored 24 from the judges.

Zaraah Abrahams skated well with partner Fred, and two canes and a hula hoop, demonstrating overall versatility and flair. She scored highly with the judges earning a 24.5 and moving into an early lead on the leaderboard.

Gareth Gates managed to demonstrate the art of almost letting go of his hat whilst ice dancing with Maria Fillipova and a cane. The judges were impressed and the audience loved the holding positions when Maria perched on the cane.

Chris Fountain and partner Frankie Poultney pulled off another fabulous routine showing excellent moves, manoeuvres and timing. Their props were a suitcase and a table. They were rewarded with 5.5 from four judges, Ruthie Henshall scored a 5.

Greg Rusedski skated what was to be his swan song, with partner Kristina Lenko and a broom, he slow skated to Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and incorporated a table into the routine; mainly it was Kristina perched on top of the table though! Enough of the clowning around though, funny though his attempts at timing and grace has been.

Despite Greg scoring 20.5, his highest marks of the competition thus far, he was still bottom of the leader board. In the skate off with the very talented and perhaps not as popular with viewers Zaraah Abrahams, he was voted off the show by the judges. No doubt Jason is relieved!

Next week is semi-finals week. Bring it on!