26 February 2024 , 17:03
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Holly Willoughby has spoken out after she was left stunned by co-star Stephen Mulhern's racy moves.
The Dancing On Ice host shocked Holly and viewers of the ITV ice skating competition when he ripped his shirt off during Sunday night's show. He ended up sparking a furious debate online over the saucy performance in tribute to Magic Mike. Some viewers deemed it too inappropriate for an early evening broadcast, while others jokingly encouraged Stephen to join OnlyFans.
Stephen was joined by six topless dancers as they thrusted and gyrated in front of the camera. Holly and the live audience were left in stitches as Stephen ripped open his shirt to reveal some very toned abs. A stunned Holly said: "I actually have no words." Following the online debate, Holly took to her own social media on Monday to share her true thoughts.
She re-posted a clip from the show and commented: "Who knew @stephenmulhern … still laughing #dancingonice @magicmikeliveldn." During Sunday's live show, many viewers took to social media to share their thoughts over the racy segment. "I’m not sure what just happened! Blimey Stephen," one Dancing On Ice fan wrote following the cheeky dance.
Stephen shocked Holly and viewers with his racy moves (Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Another added: "It was a body suit," as many mused if Stephen's muscles were in fact fake. Someone else asked: "Is that Stephen Mulhern's body??" However, others took issue with the dance as a whole as one quipped: "Magic Mike is now wholesome family viewing? What the f**k happened there." Another raged: "What on Earth has happened to Sunday evening TV? Where's Songs of Praise?"
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The backlash comes after news Dancing on Ice is facing an "uncertain future" with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's decision to retire. They recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of their huge Winter Olympics win in Sarajevo by announcing they would no longer perform together.
Dancing On Ice has struggled with its viewing figures during the latest series as it recorded its lowest-ever audience last month. Only 2.9 million viewers tuned in to watch the celebrity skaters on January 28, which is a far cry from the 12 million at the show's heyday. Torvill and Dean have said they will say goodbye with a UK tour next year but have made it clear they want to stay on the Dancing on Ice judging panel.
Insiders have said the show faces a fight to continue, with cost a huge factor as many of the 12 celebrity contestants earn six-figure sums. It comes as a blow to host Holly as the series marked her return to TV following quitting This Morning last year. It is also her only TV presenting role at the moment.
An insider told the Mirror: "Dancing on Ice faces an uncertain future. The ratings are low for a big weekend show and without Torvill and Dean putting in their performances this could be the end of the road. It is an incredibly expensive show to make. It only works if it gets a big audience." A show spokesman declared: "Dancing on Ice remains a popular format for us, having launched with 4.2 million viewers."