Faye Brookes hailed as future Dancing On Ice winner as she tops leaderboard in debut

Dancing On Ice star Faye Brookes has been hailed as a potential winner of the whole series after her incredible performance alongside professional partner Hamish Gaman topped the leaderboard.

The pair stunned judges Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean with their routine to Taylor Swift's lover.

Ashley scored them 7.5, while John, Jayne and Christopher each scored them 8, adding up to a total of 31.5 and putting the pair firmly at the top of the leaderboard.

Bursting into tears, Faye said: "This is surreal, I still can't believe I am doing the show, I am so humbled by that score.

Phillip replied: "We are so grateful you are! And I hope the signal is good on the rig tonight, your dad is going to be so proud of you."

Faye agreed: "So proud, and he just messaged me this morning saying enjoy every moment, and that's exactly what I did."

Faye and Hamish were praised for their perfect partnership (ITV)

Phil added: "It looked amazing, Hamish you must also be pleased with the way that went?"

"Yeah I am beyond proud of Faye, every day she turns up with a smile on her face no matter what happens," said Hamish.

"A good partnership is a rarity and we are seeing one tonight, because you guys skated as one, your performance was amazing you were together, you were looking at each other you were telling a story," said John. 

Chris Dean said the performance was the best first skate the show has ever seen (ITV)

Everything was in sync, a deserving 8 I am over the moon.

"Queen of the ice for sure, I think that was the best first skate we have ever had on the show, just sublime," agreed Chris.

Many viewers are convinced Faye will go all the way to the final and even win the series as one tweeted: "I wanted @Faye_Brookes and @HamishGaman to win before the series even started... Watched tonight and blown away. Week 1!! You guys smashed it".

Faye and Hamish performed to Taylor Swift's Lover (ITV)

Another wrote: "Beautiful routine, should have had the Golden Ticket. Looks like Hamish might make another final and maybe win this time round. #DancingOnIce ".

A third remarked: "I reckon we’re going to have @itvcorrie vs @emmerdale final this year. We have two very strong skaters in @Faye_Brookes & @JoeWarrenPlant who both have what it takes to win this year 100%. Such phenomenal performances from both. Can’t wait to see them go far".

"Faye and Hamish are definitely going to win this! Amazing! #DancingOnIce," gushed a fourth.

* Dancing On Ice continues next Sunday on ITV