Dancing On Ice executives are thought to be in a panic as they await Holly Willoughby’s decision to return.
The 42-year-old TV personality left the daily show This Morning after 14 years, citing a “difficult goodbye,” generating an outpouring of solidarity from her former co-stars.
Her departure occurred only months after Phillip Schofield‘s, following allegations that the two were ‘barely communicating’, as he resigned from ITV in full after a surprise disclosure that he once had a ‘unwise but not criminal’ romance with a younger staffer.
While his successor has yet to be announced, it has now been alleged that Holly has left Dancing On Ice executives ‘in uncertainty,’ despite the fact that the whole lineup has already been announced and the debut show is just weeks away.
An insider said: ‘In many ways the producers of Dancing on Ice are in limbo until they can resolve the issue of who’ll be steering the ship when the show returns.
‘Although it usually doesn’t start until mid-January, bosses still now find themselves working on a timescale measured in weeks, not months.’
The source continued to The Sun, adding that Holly is said to be ‘hesitant’: It’s a very precarious position to be in when they have all the crew and a group of celebrities already working towards the first show, but nobody nailed on to present it.’
This comes after Stephen Mulhern claimed that talks had taken place regarding his taking over as host of the ITV competition from Schofield.
‘We are talking about it,’ he explained.
‘But I promise you now that nothing is confirmed but if it happens, it will be absolutely amazing… if it doesn’t, look, it doesn’t.
Who is in the Dancing On Ice 2024 line-up?
DOI has revealed comedian Lou Sanders, Made in Chelsea’s Miles Nazaire, DJ Adele Roberts, Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas, and Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi.
On the programme, world champion boxer Ricky Hatton, EastEnders’ Ricky Norwood, actress Claire Sweeney, S Club singer Hannah Spearritt, former Love Island star Amber Davies, and Olympic champion Greg Rutherford are among those who will compete.
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards also joins the cast after original Gogglebox performer Stephen Lustig-Webb had to leave due to an injury.
‘I promise you I would tell you if we had it confirmed at this point.’
According to The Mirror, Holly, who has three children with husband Dan Baldwin, has informed pals that she still wants to host Dancing On Ice when it returns next year.
‘In spite of her decision to walk away from This Morning, she’s still part of the ITV family and loves the show,’ the added.
Holly’s statement announcing she had quit the show last month read: ‘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. Holly.’
A spokesperson for ITV said: ‘Further announcements regarding Dancing on Ice will be made in due course.’
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1, while Dancing On Ice returns in 2024.