Dancing On Ice 2011 final: Sam Attwater wins despite Laura Hamilton’s perfect 10s – and grabbing Briannne Delcourt’s boob

By
Jody Thompson
Last updated at 10:36 PM on 27th March 2011

Former EastEnders star Sam Attwater was crowned the Dancing On Ice 2011 champion after one of the tightest grand finals the show has ever seen

The 24-year-actor won the public’s hearts with his ‘passionate’ version of show star’s Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s Bolero – despite accidentally leaving his hand on her breast at the end as they sprawled on the ice.

Sam gushed about Brianne too as he lifted the winner’s trophy, saying: ‘I’ve had the time of my life. I’ve made a friend for life and I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for Brianne.’

Close friends: Sam had firm hold of Brianne’s left breast as she smiles to herself at the end of their version of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s Bolero

High five: The pair were thrilled to be crowned champions – and Sam dedicated his win to Brianne, who he said would be a ‘friend for life’

The
pair won through with their consistently good skating since the show
started in January and Sam had been the bookies’ favourite since day one.

However, they had caused controversy earlier in the show’s run over accusations they had tried to
manipulate viewers with a ‘faux-mance’ between themselves.

In February, they had told show host Phillip Schofield they were ‘an item’ as they conducted a series of photoshoots in glossy magazines, even posing in bed with just their ice skates and giving quotes saying they ‘loved each other to bits’ and had met each
other’s parents.

However, when Sam was snapped kissing another girl, he came clean that they weren’t in a relationship and is said to have apologised to show bosses.

Sam had also been struggling with a rib injury that saw him strapped up ahead of tonight’s grand final, where he skated his hugely-popular Riverdance routine, which landed him his best ever score of 29.5, with judge Jason Gardiner deducting just half a mark for ‘stutters’ at the start.

The final three: Sam and Brianne beat Laura Hamilton and partner Colin Ratushniak, centre, and Chloe Madeley and Michael Zenezini, right

However, Laura, 28, and partner Colin Ratushniak, 26, were gracious in coming second place too – despite the fact they had earlier scored the show’s only set of straight 10s from the judges for their dance to the Pointer Sisters’ I’m So Excited.

Children’s TV presenter Laura told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield after Sam had been crowned the winner: ‘I’ve lived breathed and ate ice skating for the past six, seven months. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.

‘It’s been an amazing experience and I feel like the luckiest person alive. I’m going to continue skating 100%.’

Earlier, all finalist had skated a routine they’d entirely created themselves as well as one of their favourite programmes from over the past few weeks of the show.

The public then voted to whittle it down to the two who would then battle it out skating the Bolero, ice dancing’s most famous routine.

Chloe Madeley had earlier failed to get through to the final two in the public vote after skating routines to Holly Valance’s Kiss Kiss and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life from Dirty Dancing, so missed out on the chance to perform the Bolero and a shot at winning.

However, she was still overwhelmed to come third, and told Holly and Phil: ‘I’m so thrilled we got to the final, I’m on cloud nine. I’ve loved being here. At least you get to see Michael do his Bolero on the tour as it is a treat.’

Earlier, her father Richard – who was sat in the audience with her mother Judy Finnegan – had heckled judges Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins for not scoring her higher.