In promotional images for Dancing On Ice 2024, we get our first glance at Holly Willoughby.
It was unclear whether Holly, 42, would return for another season of the celebrity skating competition, especially since she resigned down her hosting responsibilities on This Morning.
However, Holly has since stated that she will return to host ‘the greatest show on ice’ alongside Stephen Mulhern, 46.
Stephen takes over for original co-host Phillip Schofield, 61, who resigned from ITV in 2023 after admitting to lying about an affair with a young runner, prompting an internal probe.
He said at the time that he would’resign from ITV with immediate effect,’ while expressing his “immense gratitude to them for all the amazing opportunities that they have given me.”
Holly appears in new photos posing with Stephen for the first time after keeping a low profile for several weeks.
The TV legend looks amazing in an elaborate crimson strapless gown.
She stands close to Stephen’s side, her famed blonde hair in distinctive waves, and a smile on her face.
The leader of In For A Penny is overjoyed to be filling Philip’s shoes, beaming alongside Holly in a stylish suit.
Holly left This Morning in October of last year after 14 years on the show.
She issued a statement at the time, reminding viewers that she needed to prioritize’me and my family.’
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 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 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 I feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.
‘I will miss you all so much.’
Holly has been out of the spotlight since then, but she will return to our screens on a weekly basis beginning January 14.
Ryan Thomas, Adele Roberts, Greg Rutherford, and Amber Davies will join her on the rink.
The judging panel, which includes Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse, will also return.
Oti, a former Strictly Come Dancing pro, gave birth to her first kid only a few weeks ago, so she’ll be juggling motherhood and judging responsibilities.
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning, was effusive in her support for Holly’s new presenting combination with Stephen.
Their reunion comes 20 years after they initially collaborated on Ministry of Mayhem.
‘Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them to host Dancing On Ice 20 years after they first appeared on TV together signals the start of an exciting year for the programme.’
A source also previously told MailOnline: ‘Holly is a star and everyone was so very much hoping that she would decide to come back.
‘After many discussions and a lot of thought, she thought that getting some normality into her life would be a good thing.’
Dancing On Ice 2024 launches on Sunday, January 14 at 6.30pm on ITV and ITVX.
Source My Celebrity Life.