This year’s Dancing On Ice promises to be a thrilling season with the return of familiar faces and the anticipation surrounding the reunion of Holly Willoughby and a familiar face.
After a two-month hiatus from ITV, Holly Willoughby is set to return as the host of Dancing On Ice, marking a reunion with one of her longtime colleagues. The announcement puts an end to months of speculation regarding Willoughby's return following her departure from This Morning after 14 years in October.
Phillip Schofield, Willoughby's former co-host, left ITV earlier in the year after admitting to an affair with a younger male colleague. The duo had presented Dancing On Ice together since 2006. And now, Willoughby and a long-time friend of hers are officially co-presenting the next series of Dancing on Ice.
A decade-long friendship
According to The Guardian, the 42-year-old presenter will be joined by Stephen Mulhern as her co-host, replacing Phillip Schofield. The casting decision brings Willoughby and Mulhern together on screen again, exactly 20 years after they first presented Ministry Of Mayhem, a Saturday morning children’s show. The reunion is seen as a significant moment for Dancing On Ice, with a senior ITV executive describing it as the beginning of an 'exciting year' for the show.
Holly Willoughby's departure from ITV unfolded in October, marking the end of her remarkable 14-year tenure as a presenter on the iconic morning show, This Morning. The decision came amid a tumultuous period for the broadcaster, as her long-time co-host, Phillip Schofield, had sensationally resigned months earlier.
Willoughby cited personal reasons for her departure, emphasizing that the choice was made for the well-being of herself and her family. The announcement followed revelations of an alleged kidnap and murder plot against her. The departure was met with a mix of surprise and respect from fans and colleagues alike, and in a heartfelt statement shared on her Instagram, Willoughby expressed deep gratitude to the show's team, guests, and loyal viewers.
Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, expressed her enthusiasm for the reunion, stating:
'Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing On Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.'
She added:
'Celebrating 20 years since they first worked together on Ministry of Mayhem, Willoughby and Mulhern will preside over the action on the high octane skating show as this year’s celebrities compete to become champion of the ice. Judges Torvill and Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse are back on the panel.'
Stephen Mulhern's past with Dancing On Ice
As per The Independent, the new co-host, Stephen Mulhern, briefly hosted Dancing On Ice alongside Willoughby in 2022 when Schofield tested positive for Covid-19. The announcement also confirmed the participation of Dancing On Ice judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.
In addition to the host revelation, ITV unveiled the lineup for the upcoming season of Dancing On Ice, featuring former world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, singer Hannah Spearritt, West End star Amber Davies, and Olympian Greg Rutherford, among others. The show will also see Olympian Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards stepping in for former Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb, who had to withdraw after breaking his left ankle during ice skating training, notes The Mirror.
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV in January.
Read more:
⋙ Holly Willoughby sparks concern for Dancing on Ice future
⋙ Holly Willougby could make a comeback to TV in 2024 but not with ITV
⋙ Holly Willoughby: What happened to the man who allegedly wanted to kidnap her?
⋙ This Morning could finally have permanent presenters after Phillip and Holly
