Same cold story.. but they’re kicking up a stink on the rink

The best thing I can say about the return of Dancing On Ice is that it felt like it had never been away.

There were some changes, of course, but the elements that made it such a hit before its untimely hiatus were still there.

Torvill and Dean were back – as judges this time. And Jason Gardiner was ripping into Antony Cotton as if he’d been pulling his hair out in frustration for four years.

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby were also back, looking like the bridesmaid and bride’s father from a Cinderellatheme wedding. Two other traditions were revived as well. One, the undeniable buzz viewers get from feeling a minor star could get seriously hurt on live TV.

And two, the possibility that one or two could turn out to be amazing. There was even a little controversy as Antony Cotton was chastised for peering down Brandee’s top (it was actually part of the routine).

And Bake Off champion Candice Brown was criticised for planting a kiss on Matt Evers’ lips. (Relax, Candice kisses all her friends like that – just ask Paul Hollywood).

As for that shouty commentator – less Barry Scott, more Barry Davies, please.