Star of the Dutch Dancing on Ice and former British Figure Skating Champion, Blackburn's Dannielle Guppy gives her view on the latest Dancing on Ice series.

Week three of Dancing on Ice and it was finally boys against girls and the introduction of the ‘required element’.

For this programme it was the toe step – not the easiest thing to execute on a sheet of ice and many people have become a victim of tripping over the toepick and falling over!

So with bated breath (mine!) the first couple approached the ice – let the battle of the sexes commence!

Ellery Hanley and Frankie
Music: 5 years time – Noah and the Whale: I loved the opening of this routine! Okay, so he isn’t the most co-ordinated dancer but it was fun and he looked as though he was enjoying it. Again, he was solid on the lifts, lifting Frankie with ease and I think his basic skating seems to have improved. When Jason criticised him, his retort was that it would make him work harder and that’s a great attitude to have.

Jessica Taylor and Pavel
Music: Heaven – DJ Sammy (candlelight mix): This was a complex routine compared to last weeks but I thought Jessica gave a solid performance. I loved the toe steps at the beginning which matched the nuances of the music and she connected with Pavel really well. There is still more to come from Jessica on the artistic side and that will take time to develop but will be lovely when it does.

Donal McIntyre and Florentine
Music: The Dock of the Bay – Otis Redding: I must say showing in Donal in tights, doing ballet in a sea of pink was hilarious! But the tights do show off his new slim line figure very well! A little stumble on the toe steps, but overall he can be pleased of his performance. The hydro-glide in particular was a great highlight as was the start of the routine and the lift but he could present the performance and his partner more.

Coleen Nolan and Stuart
Music: Islands in the Stream – Dolly Parton: What a difference a week makes. I like confident Coleen! She skated through the routine with a smile on her face and her skating has also improved. I totally enjoyed the routine and that was mainly because you could see that Coleen was enjoying being out on the ice.

Jeremy Edwards and Darya
Music: Faith – George Michael: I like Jeremy but I have to say that his toe steps were a little out of time. That didn’t take away from an enjoyable skate however. He performed a great inside spread eagle and a little more control in some parts might have seen him through to next week.

Melinda Messenger and Fred
Music: Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell: Melinda looks beautiful on the ice and connects so well with Fred during the performance. She has nice presentation with her arms and hands and finishes movements off well. I do feel as though she needs to get into her knees more but again, that will come with time and practice. Her platter lift had a nice arch position which is difficult to achieve. This was such a gorgeous performance and the music completed the package.

Ray Quinn and Maria
Music: Real to Me – James Morrison: Ray really does move spectacularly well across the ice for someone who has being skating only a matter of months. He has confidence with every move and there is an assurance about him. His performance background really shines through every week. He has great leg extensions, moving from forwards to backwards and visa-versa with ease and he leads the partnership rather than Maria moving him around. Finally a positive comment from Jason!

Michael Underwood and Melanie
Music: Fascination – Alphabeat: Michael's basic skating isn’t the strongest in this competition but his performances are always entertaining. This week the routine was fast paced and he coped well with it. I like Michael as he exudes happiness when he skates and that is such a nice thing to see. A little bit more work on the basics to make him stronger overall and he should be fine.

Zoe Salmon and Matt
Music: Rise – Gabrielle: I really think that this week has zapped some of Zoe’s confidence as she didn’t look as assured as last week. She had a little stumble in front of the judges but the rest of her routine was presented well. Zoe seems to want to do so well, but must remember that everyone has a bad day and that she can come back from this if she doesn’t lose her belief.

Todd Carty and Susie
Music: Help – The Beatles: I like Todd so much! He comes across as a really nice guy and works hard even though he is not a natural skater. His costume for this week was brilliant and the music choice inspired! His personality really comes out on the ice and the facial expressions which he makes are so funny! Yes, he needs to improve his skating, but he knows that and I do think it was better than last week. His was an entertaining performance!

Roxanne Pallett and Daniel
Music: Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguilera Roxanne’s skating has improved from the last time she skated but I do feel as though the nerves make her legs stiffen through the performance which can make her look a little awkward in her movements especially her turns. Her routine was pleasant to watch and she gels well with Daniel. I am hoping next week that she produces something a little more exciting.

The Skate-Off
Todd survives to skate another week and it was Ellery and Jeremy in the skate off. It was a close call this week as both are similar in standard.

Ellery deserved to stay as I think he has a greater chance of improving. It is sad to see Jeremy go and he looked really down about it when the judges made their decision but he can be pleased with what he has achieved.