Professional skier Chemmy Alcott sloped off Dancing On Ice as she was voted out of the contest ahead of the semi-finals.

The sportswoman's run of success came to an end following a circus-themed performance which saw Chemmy, dressed in a sparkly silver leotard and top hat, praised for her "really powerful, really strong and really fluid" routine.

But it was not enough to save her.

Her departure - following a contest which saw skaters take to the ice with an array of circus props - came after a nail-biting skate-off against X Factor flop Chico.

Only last week, Chemmy had faced a similar fight for survival.

But while she and partner Sean Rice were able to see off competition from Coronation Street star Andy Whyment, the duo were finally defeated by Chico and Jodeyne Higgins.

The pair smiled broadly as they were presented with bright bouquets of flowers, signalling the end of their run on the ITV1 show.

Earlier, Judge Louie Spence told Chemmy her skills had "come on so much" adding: "It was a great performance, well done."

Robin Cousins also commended her efforts, telling the skater her appearance was "fun, full and fabulous".

Remaining in the competition, along with Chico, are former Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison, Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter and Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden.

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• Chico

• Jennifer Ellison

• Jorgie Porter

• Matthew Wolfenden

• Heidi Range

• Andy Whyment

• Rosemary Conley

• Sebastien Foucan

• Chemmy Alcott

• Sam Nixon

• Laila Morse

• Andy Akinwolere

• Mark Rhodes

• Corey Feldman

• Charlene Tilton