Furious viewers of the show expressed their outrage after the much-anticipated debut of Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave, 62, on the rink.
Sir Steve, who is a towering figure at 6 feet 5 inches, was paired with professional skater Vicky Ogden for this week’s performance. The duo took to the ice to execute a routine set to the classic 1973 song Rock The Boat.
In a surprising and somewhat bewildering choice of costume, both skaters were dressed in sailor-themed outfits. Sir Steve’s attire raised eyebrows. He wore sparkly shorts that caught the light as he moved, paired with blue and white striped socks that complemented his skates.
This unconventional look left many viewers questioning the decision to dress the esteemed athlete in a manner that would make him look “silly”.
As the performance aired, many disgruntled fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their concerns and frustrations.
Steve Redgrave and his Dancing On Ice partner performed on Saturday night, (Image: ITV)
One viewer lamented, “Oh silly outfit for Sir Steve. Don’t make him a joke. Everyone vote for Steve let’s mess up the show. They’ve set him up with that outfit.” (sic)
This sentiment echoed throughout social media, with numerous viewers feeling that the costume choice was inappropriate and a disservice to the legendary athlete’s reputation.
The backlash highlighted the disconnect between the show’s producers and the audience’s expectations for a dignified representation of a decorated sports figure like Sir Steve.
Steve Redgrave wore a sailor outfit on Saturday night’s show which sparked complaints. (Image: ITV)
A user expressed their thoughts, saying, “Sir Steve has been made to look completely ridiculous.”
Another commenter chimed in, stating, “They really did Steve dirty with that outfit choice.”
A different individual was particularly shocked, remarking, “Oh my gosh, what on earth is happening here? Steve Redgrave in those shorts is just hilarious!”
It’s worth noting that Sir Steve holds the distinction of being the oldest contestant participating in this year’s series of Dancing On Ice, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his appearance.
Don’t miss… [WARNING ] [INSIGHT ]
Despite the concerns expressed by fans regarding his attire, the retired sportsman, who has firmly established himself as the most successful male rower in the history of the Olympics with an impressive tally of five gold medals, remains unfazed by the costume selections involved in his current venture.
Earlier this month, in an interview with The Sun’s TV Magazine, the athlete, now a father of three, opened up about his priorities in this new chapter of his life. He candidly admitted that his choice of clothing is “the least of his worries,” revealing a refreshing perspective on the challenges he faces.
He’s been grappling with health issues, including diabetes and arthritis, which weigh more heavily on his mind than the glittering sequins typically associated with performance costumes.
Instead of focusing on the flashy outfits, he finds himself more preoccupied with mastering his dance moves on the ice.