“Holly Willoughby Returns to Hosting Dancing on Ice After Three-Month Break”
Renowned TV presenter Holly Willoughby made a triumphant return to television screens, resuming her role as the host of Dancing on Ice after a three-month hiatus. The anticipation heightened as she welcomed her new co-host, Stephen Mulhern, replacing Phillip Schofield.
In a surprising turn of events, Willoughby had left This Morning in October, fueling speculations about her departure from the popular ice skating competition. However, ITV clarified in December that she would continue to lead the show, putting an end to the swirling rumors.
The departure of Phillip Schofield, who had previously hosted both This Morning and Dancing on Ice alongside Willoughby, paved the way for the dynamic duo’s reunion. Mulhern and Willoughby had previously collaborated on the children’s show Ministry of Mayhem in the mid-noughties, later renamed Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.
Their history together extends to 2022 when they briefly hosted the skating competition after Schofield tested positive for Covid-19. The announcement of their reunion at the end of the previous year marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the show.
Ahead of the highly anticipated return, Willoughby teased fans by sharing glimpses of her preparation, posting a photo of her Dancing on Ice script on Instagram and later showcasing herself in a glamorous sequined gown. The show’s latest season boasts a star-studded lineup, including Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford, actor Ryan Thomas, ex-boxing champion Ricky Hatton, and pop icon Hannah Spearitt of S Club 7.
The judging panel, featuring Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo, and Oti Mabuse, adds to the show’s allure. Willoughby’s decision to leave This Morning after 14 years added an extra layer of intrigue, especially given the backdrop of a charged kidnapping plot against her.
As the Dancing on Ice season unfolds, Willoughby’s return brings excitement and anticipation, promising viewers a spectacle one sequin at a time.