Dancing On Ice bosses' emergency plan in case Holly Willoughby doesn't return
Dancing On Ice bosses are approaching a trio of female presenters in case Holly Willoughby does not return to host the long-running reality show.
The 42-year-old TV star has co-hosted ITV’s winter sports contest since it began back in 2006 - and famously presented the show alongside now disgraced co-star Phillip Schofield, 61. But Holly has been living out of the limelight since she quit This Morning in October.
There have been hopes that Holly will return to host Dancing On Ice - which is due to return to screens next month. But in the event the star is not feeling up to returning to work following her ordeal, show bosses are taking steps to sound out potential replacement hosts.
A report has suggested that occasional Lorraine cover host Christine Lampard, 44, former The Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes, 34, and ex-Big Brother contestant Josie Gibson, 38, are all being considered as replacements. While a replacement for Phil - whose contract with ITV was cut up in May after he admitted to lying about an affair - was already revealed in August with Stephen Mulhern landing the job.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield used to host Dancing On Ice in happier days (WireImage)
Stephen Mulhern will return to host Dancing On Ice in place of Phil (Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Bosses have left the offer open-ended to suit Holly and not put pressure on her after the time she’s gone through, and they are quietly confident she will return. But they feel Dancing On Ice is a set piece so if she does step away they know there is no shortage of glam female presenters to step in.”
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Holly’s fans were devastated in October when she announced she was leaving This Morning after 14 years. She wrote online: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said, ‘We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’ It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”
The 2024 season of Dancing On Ice will be the 16th edition of the show - with dance stars Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse and Olympic icons Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill all returning to judge the show. A wide mix of celebrities have been confirmed for the upcoming season with Radio presenter Adele Roberts, Love Island star Amber Davies, actress Claire Sweeney, and Olympic skier Eddie the Eagle in the mix.
Fellow Olympian Greg Rutherford, S Club star Hanna Spearitt, comedian Lou Sanders and Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire are also taking part. While boxer Ricky Hatton, EastEnders star Ricky Norwood, Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi and Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas complete the line-up.
Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb had been cast to take part in the show - but was forced to drop out of the contest in October when it was revealed he had broken his ankle during rehearsals. A spokesperson for Dancing on Ice said at the time: "Stephen Lustig-Webb has had to withdraw from the show due to an injury he sustained to his ankle during training. He is still very much a part of the Dancing on Ice family, we will be helping to support Stephen and we wish him well with his recovery."
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