Dancing On Ice’s Ashley Banjo admits Ben Foden’s exit was a shock after his wife slammed show

DANCING On Ice judge Ashley Banjo was most shocked when Ben Foden was eliminated from the show.

Ben, 40, was the first celebrity to get booted off the 2022 series in an exit which even surprised the judges.

“His lifts were strong and he and his partner Robin [Johnstone] executed the routine really well,” Ashley told the .

“But him leaving first just showed us how tough the competition is in this series. Everyone is brilliant.”

Ben’s exit wasn’t without its controversy with his wife Jackie slamming the show.

Jackie slammed the ITV series as a popularity contest and said the worst skater managed to stay in the competition.

In a no-holds-barred post on Instagram the American, 36, called the process “unfair” and said it had left them feeling sad.

She added that she was glad to be heading back to New York writing: “Had my fair share of England for a while, time to get back to the real world.”

She wrote: “What’s the point of saying it’s a skate competition when it’s really just a popularity competition?

“Why divide the skaters into two weeks, groups of your choosing, and why not judge all their scores together after the two weeks?

“What’s the point of getting a bunch of people together and then not judging them together afterwards?”

Warming to her theme she added: “And what’s the point of having a judging panel when it’s all down to a public vote.

“That’s not a skate competition, it’s a popularity competition. What’s the point of anyone doing this really practicing and trying to learn if you’re just going to be judged on your popularity?

“It’s a bit unfair, and we’re a bit sad, the worst skater wasn’t the first to go, I don’t really see the point.”

She added: “Yes, it’s how the show makes money but maybe leave the public vote for the save me skate offs or something?

“Otherwise it’s just kind of pointless to even try.”

Jackie was seen looking fuming alongside Ben as they drove out of the Dancing on Ice studios in Bovingdon last night after cheering him on.

However she had kind words for his fellow skaters Regan Gascoigne – who she said “blew my socks off” – and Ria Hebden.

She wrote: “As sad as I am that Ben’s experience was so short-lived I’m glad Ria got to stay in.

“We sat next to her family at the show and her two little adorable children were the most well behaved little people ever, sitting in their seats cheering their mum on.”

Jackie added: “And I’m glad we get to go home to NYC sooner!! Had my fair share of England for a while, time to get back to the real world and get our lives back.”