According to reports, ITV has identified a successor for Phillip Schofield on Dancing On Ice.
The former This Morning anchor, 61, has hosted the competition series since 2006, mostly alongside Holly Willoughby, 42, until he resigned from all projects after admitting to lying about an affair with a runner.
Speculation has since grown over who may fill the former TV star’s shoes, with some fans speculating that stars like Jane McDonald could do the honours.
However, it has now been reported that the Loose Women broadcaster has chosen a presenter and has formally offered him a contract.
The presenter in question, according to sources, is Stephen Mulhern, 46, who is thought to be considering the offer.
An insider told The Mirror: ‘Stephen is the perfect choice. Not only does he get on brilliantly with Holly, he is relaxed and fun which sits well with a show like Dancing on Ice.’
An ITV spokesperson did not address the claims but said: ‘We will be confirming details about Dancing on Ice 2024 in due course.’
It would not be the first time Stephen has co-hosted a show with Holly, as the two previously co-hosted the kids’ TV show Saturday Showdown.
The Wylde Moon star is also a frequent on his magic programme Tricky TV, where he assists with his tricks.
Stephen is also associated with Dancing On Ice, having previously hosted its ITV2 offshoot programme, Defrosted, from 2006 to 2007.
The TV personality appears to be popular with executives, since he was just announced as the new presenter of the revived game show Deal Or No Deal.
Meanwhile, Holly is said to have not talked to Phil since he acknowledged to lying about the affair, following allegations that they were ‘barely communicating’ and their relationship had cooled behind the scenes for This Morning.
The mother-of-three subsequently claimed she was “shaken, worried, let down,” and “full of questions,” and has now left the ITV programme for a summer vacation, after which she is likely to return.
Phil apologised to Holly in his first public remark about the situation.
He said: ‘I’ve lost my best friend. I let her down (Holly). I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down.’
‘Holly did not know (about the romance). And she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say, “I am so, so sorry that I lied to you,”’ he added to The Sun
Dancing On Ice is expected to return to ITV in January 2024.
