Despite the departure of long-time co-host Phillip Schofield, Dancing on Ice anchor Holly Willoughby is poised to return for the upcoming season.
The ITV reality competition series debuted in 2006 and was hosted by the This Morning presenters for the most of its life until Schofield, 61, abruptly left the station after confessing to lying about an affair with a young colleague.
While there were suggestions that both hosts on Dancing on Ice may be replaced, insiders now say Holly, 42, has every intention of returning to the position.
‘Holly wants to stay on at Dancing On Ice, she’s made that clear to all concerned and everyone at the network is absolutely delighted,’ a source has said.
‘They haven’t discussed contracts yet, as that will take place after the summer as always, but she’s indicated it will be business as usual. There have been all kinds of rumours that she is to leave but she loves the programme and has a long history with it,’ they added when speaking to the Daily Mail.
‘She will have a say in her new co-host, not the final decision, but Holly will be consulted.’
According to the publication, Holly will begin contract negotiations in the autumn and will “also have a say in the identity of her future co-host.”
While hosting alone has been explored, the ‘preferred option’ is for her to be accompanied by a co-star.
Since Schofield’s departure, names such as Stephen Mulhern, Vernon Kay, Bradley Walsh, Joel Dommett, and Jordan Banjo have been floated as possible replacements.
ITV confirmed last month that Schofield’s replacement will be revealed “in due time.”
An ITV spokesperson said: ‘Dancing On Ice isn’t due on ITV until January 2024 and the series is not currently in production.’
They added ITV would make ‘further announcements’ about the show, including the presenting line-up, in ‘due course.’
Holly and Schofield previously co-hosted Dancing on Ice for 12 seasons, both before and after the show’s four-year sabbatical.
Except for three seasons, when Holly left to host The Voice, the couple hosted together for the whole time.
Dancing on Ice is streaming on ITVX.
