I know what you mean, but I've seen that with a couple of male pro skaters over the years of DOI. Rib injuries are common with the females because of the lifts and I think some of the males don't really appreciate it, and it's sometimes clear from their faces that they just want to get on with the routine.

As for Fred and Emily, I think first impressions counted a lot and many people can't get Emily's first girly, giggly, shrieky week out of their head, which is fair enough. Personally, I feel she's got her head down more and is gaining Fred's respect.

Having seen them together on the Friday shows and on GMTV doing a backstage tour, and also hearing Fred stick up for her when she was being criticised for holding on to him all the time, I don't think he hates her and they seem to get on well enough.

He probably feels a degree of frustration being put with yet another mediocre skater. The only truly decent one he's had is Zaraah and that was by default because Sarah went out in the first week and Michael broke his foot.

In hindsight, much as I like Danniella and Matthew, I think it might have been better to pair Fred with Danniella and Matthew with Emily as they are closer in age.

Very few IMO - there's an army of Fred fans out there

I'm glad you brought it up. Fred's impassioned speech was heartfelt and honest, leaving me in no doubt he respects Emily and her efforts, even if some of the audience here don't

Earlier in the thread, someone said Emily looked fit but actually she is probably the most untoned of all the contestants, definately of the girls. But it seems as she is young and pretty, she is berated for complaining about aches and pains. I certainly don't recall Mikey getting any spiteful comments when his whole VT last week was focussed on his own body breakdown.

The best comment of the night came from Michael when he said how brave all the contestants are to do what they are doing. After 5(?) series, we tend to forget what a feat it is for them - more so than any other mainstream reality show - but he reminded me of how I felt when I watched my first series of DOI; totally in awe of the contestants, wobblers and all.

EDIT: To make another point. Fred has never shown himself to be a sympathetic partner, so his coldness/frustration toward Emily when she is hurting is not about her, it's just about who he is. Not everyone is like Pavel

I really like Emily, and I haven't really noticed this. But it does make sense. I just wish Emily would give it her all and be great. I really want her to get better.

Unfortunately, if this speculation turns out to be true I think Fred is being very unprofessional. Part of the fun is turning an average celebrity into a performer and a skater, and the professionals cannot be paired with the technically gifted celebrities all the time.

I think Emily is very immature and all that giggling and screaming would get on anyone's nerves. I get the impression that Fred is irritated by Emily and I think all this nonsense of a crush is embarrassing as doesn't his wife skate on the show? Also the pro skaters are deadly serious about the show and desperately want to do well where the celeb is basically using it to get a higher profile and doesn't really care that much about the skating. To be fair to Emily I think she is now trying to do better but I think she is the kind of girl who relies totally on her looks to get her places. She is a lovely looking girl with a very irritating manner but sometimes when I see her face as the judges criticise her I cannot help but feel sorry for her. She wears her heart on her face!!!

You can't make two people like each other though. I don't think there is any suggestion Fred has been unprofessional - he seems to be trying his very best with her, as far as I can see. Unfortunately not every couple is going to 'click' in same way that some do - it just depends on both personalities. Fred clearly wants to do well, but I don't think that's a bad thing.

I don't think its true that the celebs don't care about the skating though - some clearly do. Whether you like them or not, for Hayley, Kieron, Daniella and a couple of the others, the skating definitely seems to really matter to them.

I doubt that's enough though - the pros on DOI aren't given as much screentime as the pros on SCD and Matthew Cutler seems to be one of the most popular on SCD and he is often voted out early.

Anyway what is it about Fred ?? I don't think he's that goodlooking, and I don't think his personality is as appealing as that of some of the other pros (Dan <3, Stuart etc). I guess we all have different opinions though.

I get the impression that Emily thought she was going to better than the others as she is the youngest. She forgets that although she is very pretty, she is rather podgy and very untoned. The older celebs are fitter and healthier and it shows. Hopefully she is learning that age has nothing to do with skill (within reason).

Hi...I'm only going by what's on the boards, Fred's topping the Favourite Pros poll and I'm guessing that many voters go to the live tour where he does an amazing routine with Mel. It'll be interesting to see where the Dr Hilary vote goes next week though.
I can't comment on SCD as I don't watch...I never vote btw

Someone tell me, who exactly is voing for Emily? What fan base has she got, I've never even heard of the program she is in.

I don't think people are voting for Emily, but more likely voting for Fred, so he stays in the competition. Harsh, but true.

Then why didn't Melinda sail through last year? Or Zaraah? They even had a few skate offs each.

People need to accept the fact the public like Emily.

People keep saying this but it doesn't add up. If this was the case why were Zaraah & Melinda in so many skate offs? And they were better skaters than Emily.

I think people have to accept whether they like it or not that Emily has plenty of fans who are voting to keep her in.

BTW I love Fred but haven't voted for them.

Yes, I would agree that Emily seems popular in her own right. I also love Fred and like you have not voted for them (haven't voted for anyone actually).

Did anyone see the show on Friday?

Fred said "she's so pretty that sometimes I just staring into her eyes and forget I'm supposed to be teaching her"

I'm sure 'the missus' was thrilled!.

She def plays up to the whole pretty pretty thing. That pout whenever things get a bit tricky or when waiting for the results is wearing a bit thin.

I keep waiting for Phillip Schofield to say "who's a clever girl, then" and pinch her cheek or something

Honestly give the girl a break , she is nineteen , at nineteen a lot of girls are very giggly and scream a lot , Fred is a mature man , I am sure that he wouldn't choose Emily as a best freind if it wasn't for the show , Whether he would fancy her is another matter , but fancying someone does not mean that you have to like them!

She appear to be trying hard now , I didn't see the forst week so cant comment on that , she did look untoned a week or so ago but that is improving now

Rib injuries hurt a lot (beleive me I know ) and doing that rountine on top of a rib injury shows some commitment

How old is Fred > he only looks about 20

He'll be 35 in April. Obviously found the fountain of youth!

Are these new Fred fans? Just because they didn't keep Melinda or Zaraah out the bottom two...

Same here i feel quite sorry for fred.