ITV 'has plan B for Dancing On Ice presenters'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: December 18 2023 | 02:07

Last updated: December 19 2023 | 06:05

ITV 'has plan B for Dancing On Ice presenters'

ITV reportedly develops a backup plan in the event that Holly Willoughby decides not to return as Dancing On Ice host.

ITV has reportedly developed a backup plan should Holly Willoughby decide not to return as host of Dancing On Ice next month.

The presenter quit This Morning in October after it emerged that a man had been arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.

In making her decision, Willoughby explained that she needed time out from the public eye to focus on her family, throwing her return as DOI host in doubt.

A new co-host for the show was already needed following Phillip Schofield's tumultuous ITV exit earlier in the year, with Stephen Mulhern now on the verge of being announced as his replacement.

According to The Sun, however, producers already have a number of people in mind should a stand-in also be required for Willoughby, who has not yet decided whether she will be ready to return.

"Bosses have left the offer open-ended to suit Holly and not put pressure on her after the time she's gone through, and they are quietly confident she will return," a source said.

"But they feel Dancing On Ice is a set piece so if she does step away they know there is no shortage of glam female presenters to step in."

The newspaper goes on to name Josie Gibson, Rochelle Humes and Christine Lampard as the main candidates to take over.

The new series of Dancing On Ice is due to begin on ITV in mid-January.