Happy Mondays star Bez left viewers stunned with his debut performance, wearing a watermelon-inspired crash helmet.

Bez, in Herefordshire, was taking part in the first episode of the series.

It was the first time in history a contestant had taken to the stage wearing a helmet while skating, after a series of nasty falls during rehearsals.

The 57-year-old Bolton-born star won the hearts and minds of fans in a wacky routine alongside his professional partner Angela Egan.

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Bez was surrounded by life-size watermelons and maracas as he performed to the Mondays' Step On.

Despite only receiving 12.5 out of 40 from the four judges - Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo - he was happy to have old bandmate, Shaun Ryder, in the audience cheering him on.

He explained to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: "I thought it would have been much lower than that.

"I've been doing some spectacular falls, crashing into the ice. But I wear a helmet so nothing too serious.

"I've actually got a little bit better this week. I only fell over once yesterday, so I am improving."

Bez added that he was wearing plenty more protective gear, including knee pads, a back brace and some protection for his "old maracas."

Phillip Schofield joked: "You are the only person we've ever had to send out on the ice with a crash helmet on as we're protecting your melon, man, that's for sure!"

While judges praised Bez for his "entertaining" performance, some viewers at home said it was the "greatest thing" they had ever seen on TV.

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