HE MAY not have taken to the ice like a duck to water, but Dr Hilary Jones has still got his skates on after the public got behind him when he took part in ITV1 show Dancing on Ice.

The Hampshire Clinic GP and GMTV resident doctor gained so few votes from the panel of judges last Sunday that he came second from bottom on the scoreboard with just 11.5 points out of a possible 30.

But despite a precarious performance to Everlasting Love, Dr Hilary wobbled his way through to next week when he mustered enough support from the public to avoid the dreaded skate-off.

Dr Hilary was the second contestant to take to the ice as the male participants went into battle. The audience held their breath as his knees looked like they were about to give way when he balanced dancing partner Alexandra Schaumann on his thighs.

But the 56-year-old, who is the oldest contestant ever to appear on the show, managed to stay upright and entertained the crowd and TV viewers with the routine – and rather a lot of visible chest hair!

Contestants are saved based on a combination of their score from the judges and the public vote – and when it was time to announce those who were safe for another week, Dr Hilary’s name was the first to be read out by presenter Philip Schofield.

“I was massively relieved when in the results show I was named first,” said Dr Hilary. “Everybody saw the look of absolute shock and relief on my face that I was okay for another week.”

Comedian Bobby Davro and The Bill actor Gary Lucy were forced to skate again for the judges, having gained the least votes, and despite his enthusiasm, they decided Bobby should be the first man to leave the competition.

Dr Hilary said: “I was disappointed for Bobby because we would sit backstage and calm each other with jokes. We were both very busy in the run-up to the show. I was doing early mornings and late nights.”

Dr Hilary said he was shocked that Gary, who had the joint second highest score from the judges, was in the bottom two.

“I was surprised that Gary was in the skate off. Maybe the GMTV factor helped me,” admitted Dr Hilary. “People grow up with you and feel that you are part of the family.”

Judge Emma Bunton gave Dr Hilary a score of just 2.5, but praised him for trying, adding: “I think as you get older, you lose nerve, so it’s very, very brave of you. Your posture wasn’t great and I felt you needed to support your partner a bit more but it was surprisingly endearing. I loved it, it was sweet.”

Dr Hilary said that he thought the judges’ comments had been fair and added: “They said it was an endearing little show which is good.

It meant that at least I have a good rapport going on with my dance partner.

“We need to get a bit bolder. But some of the other guys have skated before or have dancing backgrounds and I don’t. I will take each week as it comes and hope I get support from Basingstoke.

“I have no expectations of getting very far but I’m really enjoying it. It’s a really good show to be involved in and I am improving.”

Dr Hilary was this week waiting to find out what song he will skate to on Sunday, when both the men and women will compete against each other for the first time on the show.

He believes actress Hayley Tamaddon is the one to watch, adding: “Hayley is going to take a lot of beating. She has a lovely rapport with her dancing partner and they are really keen to do well.”