Holly Willoughby has allegedly been offered a lucrative contract to return to the upcoming season of Dancing On Ice.
The 43-year-old former This Morning anchor co-hosted the series with Stephen Mulhern after Phillip Schofield, 61, resigned from ITV after confessing to a ‘unwise but not criminal’ affair.
Holly’s comeback sparked considerable curiosity before it was announced, and it’s now been alleged that ITV management want to keep her, despite claims that the BBC is interested in her.
A source said: ‘Dancing On Ice is definitely coming back in 2025 and the plan is that Holly will host it.
‘Contracts are being negotiated but the chiefs love her and they know that there are others who would love to sign her up but ITV love her and they want to keep her very much part of the ITV furniture for years to come.’
The insider continued to The Mail on Sunday: ‘Holly has a real fondness for the show, it really catapulted her career from a children’s presenter into grown up television so ITV very much hope that she will agree to the deal.’
According to reports, executives are looking at other shows Holly may host, as she will not be signed for a show on the channel for the first time in 20 years after the Dancing On Ice final on Sunday.
Holly left This Morning in October after 14 years, describing it as a painful farewell.
She said at the time: ‘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.’
Holly joined the afternoon show in 2009 and worked with Schofield until May, when he resigned.
This Morning has subsequently announced Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard as the new hosts, following months of Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson, and others filling in.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1. The Dancing On Ice Final starts at 6.25pm on ITV1 on Sunday.