Bez has apologised to his fellow Dancing On Ice contestants for staying in the show longer than more skilled skaters.

The musician, 57, who is partnered with Angela Egan, is the first contestant in the show's history to wear a helmet during his performances.

Speaking to The Sun, Bez told how he feels 'awful' that he has outlasted Ben Foden, Ria Hebden and Rachel Stevens after becoming a hit with the voting public. 

He said: 'I feel so awful for everyone, like Ben. He skated brilliantly and he was really strong, doing massive lifts on his first skate. I felt really bad.

'Then Ria went out and I felt really bad again. Then Rachel went and she's so beautiful. I was like, 'Aarrrgh!' We've got a group chat and I send my love and that in there.

'I just feel so awful. The judges having the final say is my only saving grace. That stops me completely crumbling about it.'

Rachel was eliminated from the show on Sunday despite a score of 25/40, while Bez had a score of 20/40, with the star admitting he feels 'guilty'.

The Happy Monday star said he appreciates the huge level of support the public has given him and he is determined to improve for next week's show. 

Bez has suffered falls on the ice during rehearsals, including one that left him dazed after his helmet flew across the rink.

The star is taking the show seriously and has quit booze in order to stay completely focused on improving his skating.

Bez is more in demand than ever thanks to his Dancing On Ice success and recently made a cameo in Hollyoaks, although he doesn't think a career in acting is on the cards.

On Sunday, Rachel and her skating partner Brendyn Hatfield landed in the bottom two alongside Kye Whyte and Tippy Packard with all the judges choosing to save the racer.

After her elimination, Rachel said: 'I have really loved it, it's been an amazing experience. I've loved dancing with Brendyn so much.' 

Rachel's daughters Amelie, 11, and Minnie, seven, were in the audience last week to watch their mum, with Rachel saying: 'So special for them to have been a part of it and to have shared it with them. I've had the best time.'

Rachel added that she would miss Brendyn the most before the pair took one final lap around the ice. 

Dancing On Ice continues this Sunday on ITV1 at 6.30pm.