Dancing On Ice fans have slammed Brendan Cole's "clear advantage" as he opened the show with an impressive first skate.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional and his skating partner Vanessa Bauer made his debut on the ice tonight as the latest series of the ITV show kicked off, and fans took to social media to slam Brendan's 'advantage' over the other contestants.
Viewers of the skating show took to Twitter to complain as Brendan impressed with a stunning fast-paced first dance to Black Betty, for which he scored an incredible 30.5 out of 40.
Brendan has previously spoken of his dancing ability - but insisted it didn't give him any special head start above the other celebs.
One wrote: "Professional dancers should not be allowed to partake in other shows. They have a clear advantage #dancingonice."
"Totally unfair advantage...All Brendan needs to do is learn how to skate," a second added, as a third penned: "I hate when they say 'they might be a professional dancer, but that doesn’t help, when you’re on the ice', yes it does help, because Brendan just scored an 8 on show one, with no mention of bad lines and everyone else will get a bad lines comment."
Others questioned if Brendan could show as much progression, being so good early on.
"Brendan is good…. but too good too soon. we want progression #dancingonice," they penned.
However, there was also a lot of support for Brendan.
"Wow great routine, lots of funky moves in that one ! Great start to the series ! The bar is well and truly set , nice one guys ! Gonna go far in this one Brendan," one wrote online.
A second added: "Blimey, that Brendan was good for week one! Though I've just realised he IS a professional dancer, so he's got a lot of skill already! #DancingOnIce," as a third wrote: "Wow well done @BrendanCole, fantastic First Skate #vanessaandBrendan."
"Wow Brendan is going to be a force #dancingonice," a fourth wrote, as a fifth penned on social media: "Vanessa and Brendan are gonna win this hands down. #dancingonice."
