Michaela Strachan is facing new challenges on the popular skating show Dancing on Ice as the competition heats up. The 2025 series is already buzzing due to the unexpected elimination of Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey, who left the show without even facing the traditional skate-off, raising eyebrows and stirring discussions among fans.
After Chelsee's departure, which was decided by the lowest combined score from the judges and public votes, the pressure is palpable on the remaining contestants. Initially the favorite to win, Michaela Strachan has been overtaken by The Traitors star Mollie Pearce, with the latest odds now placing Michaela at 5/2 to win, compared to Mollie's 2/1, according to online bookmaker Betway.
The recent elimination has sparked debate about the rules, which have shifted the dynamics of competition this season. Viewers were shocked when it was revealed Chelsee was instantly eliminated without participating in the usual skate-off, thanks to the new rule where the lowest combined score results in immediate departure.
Reflecting on her time, Chelsee expressed immense gratitude for her professional partner, Andy Buchanan, saying, "I couldn't have done it without him." She charmed viewers with her graceful exit, sharing her struggles and thanking supporters—an indication of the emotional weight contestants carry during the competition.
On the other hand, Michaela, known for her role as Springwatch presenter, shared her own mixed feelings about participating. While she has topped the leaderboard during the first week, she admitted her long-term partner, Nick Chevallier, has reservations about her taking part. "He may come over later on, it depends on how far I get," she told the Mirror, indicating she hasn't secured his full support yet.
Michaela's family will still be watching her closely, as her mother, brother, son, and stepdaughter plan to show up to cheer her on during the live shows. She added, "Certainly my mum's coming, my brother's coming, my son's coming, my stepdaughter's coming," highlighting the solid foundation of support surrounding her, even as Nick is away.
Though she has enjoyed her skating experiences, the reality of the competition and the sacrifices it requires weigh heavily on her. Michaela reassured fans about her family's engagement, promising there would be celebrations back home for her supporters, underlining both community and competition ambiguity during this phase of her Dancing on Ice adventure.
The competitive spirit is reflected not only through the dynamic of personal connections but also through the participants' strategic moves. Alongside Michaela and Mollie, entertainers like TOWIE’s Dan Edgar and Coronation Street’s Sam Aston are both listed with odds of 9/2, proving there's plenty of competition left.
With comedian Josh Jones forced to withdraw from the series due to injury, the stage is set for the next performances and eliminations to shape the future of the competition. Fans are eagerly watching, placing bets, and making predictions as the Dancing on Ice series advances, unsure yet about who will emerge as the champion.
Overall, Michaela Strachan stands as one to watch, showcasing her resilience and skill as the series progresses, even as her role as favorite shifts. The scheduled performances igniting the ice every Sunday on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX consistently keep fans engaged as the stakes rise.