Heather Mills was frozen out of Dancing on Ice tonight but took comfort in knowing she had inspired disabled children to take to the rink.
The former wife of ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney lost out to Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson after the pair faced the skate-off, having received the least public support.
Judges said the decision "couldn't be closer" and praised both for the progress they had made over recent weeks.
But the panel opted four to one in favour of giving Richardson another chance.
Mills appeared resigned to her fate even before completing the final icy dance, telling host Phillip Schofield that she thought she was "on the way" out of the competition.
After having the bad news confirmed by the five members of the judging panel, the former model thanked those who had supported her.
Mills had struggled with her prosthetic leg in previous weeks.
But she appeared pleased that despite her own difficulties her performances had given encouragement to others.
"I'm so excited that all the kids that have lost limbs are now going out to skate," she said.
