Hayley Tamaddon is now a clear 5/2 favourite with Betfred to win this year's Dancing On Ice contest after looking a cut above the other female competitors on the opening show.

Skating alongside childhood friend Daniel Whiston, Hayley was at home on the ice, top-scored with 19.5 and earned rave reviews from her mentors and the judges.

"I love this show and that was the best feeling in the world ever, it was amazing," beamed the former Emmerdale star, who has also shone in similar contests Soapstar Superstar and Soapstar Superchef.

Christopher Dean was first to lavish praise on the actress, stating: "It was just larger than life out there, selling it for all it was worth. It was a great performance."

Dance partner Jayne Torvill added: "I just love watching her, she makes me smile all the time and that performance was so polished it looked like she'd been working on it for months and months."

Even the normally hard to please Jason Gardiner was bowled over as he declared: "Hayley, you're like this shetland pony, that's like full of energy.

"You came out there like a firecracker - it was very dynamic and, for week one, so far you're head and shoulders above what we've seen."

New judge Emma Bunton was equally impressed, adding: "I honestly never thought I would see a performance like that on the first show - it was amazing and I'm looking forward to seeing what more you've got to give."

Daniella Westbrook also did well for her first attempt and has been cut to 10/1 with Betfred, but the other women who survived after Sinitta crashed out look well below the standard required.

Next week the men will get their chance to impress and Gary Lucy is rated most likely of this bunch to succeed on 11/4, while Mikey Graham and Danny Young are both 8/1.