Holly Willoughby will return to ITV as the host of 'Dancing On Ice'.
Holly Willoughby is returning to host Dancing On Ice
The 42-year-old presenter quit her job as the main presenter of 'This Morning' back in October following her discovery of an alleged plot to kidnap her and following months of upheaval in the wake of her long-time co-anchor Phillip Schofield stepping away from the daytime show after more than 20 years after admitting he lied to bosses about an affair with a younger male colleague.
Speculation had been rife that Holly was not going to return to 'Dancing On Ice' for the 2024 series, but ITV have now confirmed to the Daily Mirror newspaper that she will host the figure skating show along with Stephen Mulhern, who is replacing Schofield, who has also departed that programme.
Holly and Stephen, 46, first worked together on CITV show 'Ministry of Mayhem', the series on which she met her future husband, producer Dan Baldwin.
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, said: "Holly and Stephen are two of our best loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host 'Dancing on Ice' marks the start of an exciting year for the show. Celebrating 20 years since they first worked together on 'Ministry of Mayhem', Willoughby and Mulhern will preside over the action on the high octane skating show as this year’s celebrities compete to become champion of the ice. Judges Torvill and Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse are back on the panel.".
Holly has rarely been seen since she quit 'This Morning' three months ago.
She announced her departure on her Instagram account admitting she had decided to say the "difficult goodbye" for herself and her family, which includes husband Dan and their children, Harry, Belle and Chester.
Her statement 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."
Holly referenced former presenters, husband and wife duo Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, who insisted the show belongs to the viewers rather than the stars who inhabit the sofa.
She added: "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."
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