Blackpool star Joe-Warren Plant is praised by Dancing on Ice judges after fall in his debut performance but smiles all around as he makes it through to musicals week

The Emmerdale star Joe Warren-Plant, the youngest competitor in the new series, made a smashing start to a quick paced routine to the Jonas Brothers 'Sucker' before a mid-routine fall, which cost him in the judging.

However, all the judges praised his ability and performance with professional partner Vanessa Bauer and his score of 25 matched that of four of the six first celebrities who skated this week.

Soap star Joe, 18, bounced back from the mishap to complete the trick-filled routine, which included jumps and lifts in his first attempt.

Multi-finalist and champion Vanessa joked after their skate that it was his 'first fall of the day.'

The couple were delighted with their feedback from the DOI panel, Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jane Torville and Christopher Dean in spite of their reduced score.

Jane told Joe: ‘I just loved that performance, I was ready for the seven I had to take a point off. You are very good.’

Joe, who has been in training at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena for the last three months said he was excited to get out and enjoy his first performance.

The former Baines pupil, who attended Scream Theatre School in the resort has been appearing in Emmerdale since he was eight years old.

He said the opportunity to join Dancing on Ice was 'too big an opportunity to turn down.'

Dancing On Ice returns to ITV next Sunday January 24 at 6pm.

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