Dancing On Ice returned for an additional yr on Sunday night – with Holly Willoughby making her grand return to TV.
It comes virtually three months after she discovered of an alleged plot to kidnap and homicide her.
The presenter, 42, appeared unbelievable in a blinding silver strappy gown as she welcomed new co-host Stephen Mulhern, 46, to the present.
Opening the star-studded launch present, Holly instructed ITV viewers: ‘We’re off!’, earlier than asking followers to offer her new co-host a heat reception.
She added: ‘And in addition can we simply say an enormous welcome to Stephen Mulhern!’
Dancing On Ice returned for an additional yr on Sunday night – with Holly Willoughby making her grand return to TV
The presenter, 42, appeared unbelievable in a blinding silver strappy gown as she welcomed new co-host Stephen Mulhern, 46, to the present
Stephen has changed Phillip Schofield, who introduced the present alongside Holly since 2006, however was fired by ITV final yr.
MailOnline solely revealed final month that Holly could be returning to the present after quitting This Morning following an alleged plot to kidnap and homicide her.
Taking to Instagram an hour earlier than the ITV skating present aired, Holly confidently wrote alongside her snap: ‘Let’s do that one sequin at a time’.
The solid united for a photocall occasion earlier this week as they took official photographs and took half in interviews, however Holly wasn’t in attendance .
The Mirror then reported that Holly – who was finally yr’s shoot – skipped the photocall to focus on rehearsals along with her new co-host Stephen.
A supply instructed the publication of this yr’s occasion: ‘Holly would not need any distractions in the meanwhile so she wasn’t on the photoshoot.
‘And for her it’s extra about rehearsals and getting the sequence off to an ideal begin with a brand new co-host.
‘She’s placing all her power into the present. Holly is a complete skilled and as at all times she might be placing her coronary heart and soul into the sequence with Stephen.
It comes virtually three months after she discovered of an alleged plot to kidnap and homicide her
Stephen is taking Phillip Schofield’s place on Dancing On Ice, after he hosted the present with Holly earlier than he was fired by ITV
Holly signed a deal over Christmas after weeks of deliberating over whether or not to current the present, and is alleged to be ‘excited’ about to getting again to work on the present that she beforehand hosted along with her former buddy Phillip Schofield .
An ITV insider instructed MailOnline: ‘Holly is a star and everybody was so very a lot hoping that she would determine to come back again.
‘After many discussions and a whole lot of thought, she thought that getting some normality into her life could be a very good factor.
‘There are apparent worries about occurring dwell tv, her fundamental precedence is her household, ITV have been massively understanding and haven’t put any strain on her in any respect.
‘They wished to offer her the entire time she wanted but it surely has been a tough resolution for her. Time was ticking however the bosses have been attempting to stay calm.’
Katie Rawcliffe, head of leisure commissioning at ITV, stated: ‘Holly and Stephen are two of our greatest cherished presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on display collectively to host Dancing On Ice marks the beginning of an thrilling yr for the present.’
ITV additionally shared a publish to Instagram which learn: ‘Dancing On Ice information 20 years since they first labored collectively, Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern be part of forces for the best present on ice.’
Stephen, who hosts ITV recreation exhibits Catchphrase and Deal Or No Deal , is an in depth buddy of Holly and signed a deal to host Dancing On Ice Iast week after agreeing to step into Schofield’s sneakers.
Josie Gibson gave Holly and Stephen a present from the I am A Movie star jungle – a vomit vanilla ice latte
ITV didn’t have a stand-in for Holly ready within the wings, nevertheless, that means that each one hopes have been pinned on her.
Holly and Phillip, 61, had co-hosted Dancing On Ice from its inception in 2006 till 2011.
Christine Lampard then changed Holly for the subsequent three sequence till the present led to 2014.
The sequence was then revived by ITV in 2018, with each Holly and Phillip returning as hosts up till this yr.
Phillip was then fired by ITV after he admitted to mendacity a few romantic relationship he had with a former youthful colleague, instantly ending his contract at This Morning.
Stephen emerged because the frontrunner to take over from Phillip, after presenting spinoff sequence Defrosted for a yr again in 2006 and standing in for Phillip when he fell unwell with Covid final yr.
The TV presenter confirmed in October that he was in talks with bosses to affix as co-host after Phillip’s departure.
Stephen instructed MailOnline it might be ‘wonderful’ to entrance the present and that co-hosting alongside longtime buddy and colleague Holly at all times makes for a ‘nice time’.
He stated: ‘I used to do the spinoff present Defrosted and once I stood in for Phil when he wasn’t too properly, he had Covid, I actually loved it and it was so beautiful being again with Holly.
‘We had a good time collectively plus numerous the staff have been the identical from once I did the ITV2 present.
‘We’re speaking about it, however I promise you now that nothing is confirmed but when it occurs, it will likely be completely wonderful… if it would not, look, it would not. I promise you I’d let you know if we had it confirmed at this level.
‘The lineup is the very best it has been in a number of years… I’m holding throughout the lineup, simply in case… It’s a big staple, and it has been round.’
Holly’s future on the present had been thrown into doubt after she stepped down from This Morning after lastly being ‘tipped over the sting’ by an alleged ‘kidnap and homicide plot’.
The mother-of-three, who initially joined This Morning in 2009, launched a press release saying she was leaving the present ‘for the sake of her household’.
Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not responsible to expenses of soliciting homicide and incitement to commit kidnap the previous This Morning host. The safety guard will stay behind bars after being denied bail.
Throughout a brief listening to at Chelmsford Crown Court docket, Gavin Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, who was not current, was refused a bail software. He has a trial date mounted for June 24 subsequent yr.
It comes after Holly stepped down from This Morning in October (pictured in September 2023) after lastly being ‘tipped over the sting’ by an alleged ‘kidnap and homicide plot’
Holly has additionally paused her £1million cope with Marks & Spencer as a result of she stays fearful for her security.
She has fronted collections for the excessive road chain since 2018 however instructed bosses that she must take day out from the contract whereas she involves phrases along with her terror over the case.
The star normally fronts a number of ‘capsule’ collections per yr and likewise gives trend tricks to customers on the shop’s web site.
She has additionally frozen her seven-figure cope with L’Oreal, because the face of its Garnier Nutrisse hair dye. She has not taken half in any promotional exercise with the model.
It isn’t identified whether or not she has forgone any revenue from the contracts.
Dancing on Ice is on ITV1 on Sunday nights, at 6.30pm.
DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 CONTESTANTS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: Former professional boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘If I can maintain my nerve within the boxing ring I ought to be capable to maintain my nerve within the ice rink’
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am actually enthusiastic about studying a brand new ability. It is really easy to dwell your snug life and that side of blending issues up could be very interesting’
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I like a problem and I wanted a purpose to exit and do stuff once more and right here we’re. I need to carry out one thing that is by no means been accomplished earlier than, that is my goal.’
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards
AGE: 59
PROFESSION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Dancing on Ice is a present I’ve at all times wished to do. It is a problem I believe I will relish!’
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘It is come at such a good time in life. I am unable to skate in any respect! No rehearsals as but, I’ve simply had some physiotherapy to strengthen the physique.’
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Everybody retains asking me, “are you doing it?” I’ve instructed everybody!’
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m entering into the unknown right here. I do not know the way I’ll really feel. However I’m very excited.’
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’d undoubtedly say that I am an adrenaline junkie however I do get extra nervous as I grow old and I hope that I can comprise them’
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I’ve at all times cherished to bop but it surely’s normally on a dance ground on a Saturday night time and Dancing on Ice seems to be so troublesome.’
LOU SANDERS
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: COMEDIAN
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am nervous about cracking my head open, or simply bashing the outdated head. I am unable to afford to lose any extra mind cells.’
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘It is ”bricking it on ice” for me! I believe the toughest half is placing myself on the market as I normally conceal away’
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am unable to ice-skate. I have not actually stated something to anybody however primarily as a result of I am so nervous about it!’
