Beth Tweddle secured her place in the Dancing on Ice final and ruffled a few feathers in the process.

The 28-year-old from Bunbury hasn’t had the easiest time of it from the judging panel in recent weeks, who have criticised her for apparently not putting enough personality into her performances.

Last week’s semi-final was no exception as the judges refused to give her full marks for her skates to Florence and the Machine’s Dog Days are Over and Gloria Estefan’s Reach .

Both were impressive, and one included a stunning flying routine, but the judges didn’t mince their words, with Jason Gardiner telling Beth as usual: “I need to see more of your connection. It's not enough for me.”

But this time, Olympic ice champion Christopher Dean leapt to her defence, insisting Beth’s had been the hardest routine of the night and had flow, moves and rhythm.

Highlighting the gymnast’s skating skills and strength on the ice, he said: “I disagree with them (the judges) and I give Beth and Lucasz a ten.”

Partner Jayne Torvill later agreed, saying she also thought Beth had been underscored.

But Beth had the last laugh as the public vote sent her through to next week’s final, beating fellow contestant Sam Attwater to a place in the final, where she will battle it out on Sunday night against Ray Quinn and Hayley Tamaddon.

Speaking to The Chronicle, the former Queen’s School student couldn’t hide her delight at coming so far in the competition, and expressed her thanks to everyone who had voted for her.

“It is amazing! I never thought I would get to the final with so many former champions in the mix,” she said.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience and loved building the partnership with Lukasz and just can't wait for the final on Sunday.

“I want to say a big thank you to all those who’ve voted - it's great to have local support and it really makes a difference,” she added.