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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Ben Foden's wife 'has had her fill of England' as she blasts DOI as 'popularity contest'

Ben Foden's wife Jackie has blasted Dancing On Ice as a "popularity contest" after the former rugby player was kicked off the show over the weekend.

The Goddess Line owner took to her Instagram Story for a huge rant as she went in on show bosses, slamming the set up of the series and the public vote.

Jackie questioned why there is even a judging panel, as the vote makes it a "popularity competition".

Sharing her view after Ben and professional dancer Robin Johnstone were the first couple to be axed from the show, she began: "So my thoughts on last night.... (you all knew the rant was coming) I'm so so proud of you Benny, I couldn't love you more.

She is married to Ben Foden (Instagram)
Jackie posted a rant on her Instagram (Instagram)

"You are a beautiful person inside and out, I'm so proud of how far you pushed yourself, I know you put your heart and soul into the show, I wish I got to see you develop even more and wish we could have seen how far you have gotten in the skill of skating. But I'm so proud of you regardless, you did your best and you were awesome."

Blasting the production, she continued: "As for the show, what's the point of saying it's a skate competition when it's really just a popularity competition."

Jackie questioned: "Why divide the skaters into two weeks, groups of your choosing, and why not judge all their scores together after the two weeks.

"What's the point of getting a bunch of people together and then not judging them all together afterwards. And what's the point of having a judging panel when it's all down to a public vote.

"That's not a skate competition, it's a popularity competition. What's the point of anyone doing this even really practicing and trying to learn, if you're just going to be judged on your popularity?"

Ben and Robin were the first to go (ITV)

She added: "It's a bit unfair, and we're a bit sad, the worst skater wasn't the first to go, I don't really see the point, yes it's how the show makes money, but maybe leave the public vote for the save me skate offs or something? Otherwise, it's just kind of pointless to even try."

On a more positive note, Jackie praised Paul Gascoigne's son Regan for his moving performance and also made an honourable mention to Ria Hebden.

She concluded: "That being said, after seeing Regan, Ben was never going to win [laughing emoji]. Regan blew my socks off... what an incredible performance, it was just beautiful to watch, an experience.

"I love ballet, I did ballet when I was little, my mom did ballet, we love the ballet, watching ballerinas use their bodies that they've crafted and moulded their whole lives into a beautiful instrument is just so exquisite to watch, and watching Regan bring that art into the show, was just such an enjoyable experience to get to see. I hope he wins, based on skill alone, and leave this whole public voting nonsense behind!

His time was short-lived (ITV)

"Also, as sad as I am Ben's experience was so short lived, I'm glad Ria got to stay in. We sat next to her family at the show, and her two little adorable children were the most well behaved little people ever, sitting in their seats cheering their mum on, her little daughter hugging and kissing her baby doll all night, I'm glad they got to see their mum stay in."

Jackie then shared she has had her fill of England and the family are ready to move back to New York much sooner following Ben's exit.

"And I'm glad we get to go home to NYC sooner!!" she added. "Had my fair share of England for a while, time to get back to the real world and get our lives back. Thanks all for the support and love!!"

A representative for Dancing On Ice declined to comment when approached by The Mirror.

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