Questions have been swirling for months about who will host the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice after Philip Schofield stepped down from his This Morning role in May.
However, it has now been reported that Stephen Mulhern has officially signed on as the new host for the Sunday night show.
While Stephen, 46, will replace Philip, 61, it remains unclear whether co-presenter Holly Willoughby will return to the skating show after she left This Morning in October amid a horrific alleged kidnapping and murder plot.
The Sun reported that having Stephen on board was a huge boost for ITV bosses, who are desperately hoping Holly, 42, will return to TV for the show in January.
The presenter put on a brave face as she joined her family for Christmas dinner on Thursday as she was seen for the first time after months of being too scared to leave her home.
The new host of Dancing On Ice is officially announced as Stephen Mulhern (46). ITV bosses hope to persuade Holly Willoughby, 42, to stay after ‘kidnapping plot’
While Stephen will replace Philip, 61, it remains unclear whether co-presenter Holly Willoughby will return to the skating show after leaving This Morning in October amid a horrific alleged kidnapping and murder plot
Wearing a camel coat, red jumpsuit and gold stiletto heels, Holly, 42, was spotted leaving the restaurant near her home in south-west London, where she joined her mother Linda, husband Dan Baldwin and a group friends had dinner.
The mother of three has been mulling over her future on television since the alleged kidnapping plot. ITV bosses are awaiting their decision to host Dancing on Ice in January, just days before the show starts.
A TV insider told the publication: “Stephen has been the frontrunner for Phillip’s place for months, but ITV are delighted he’s now signed and sealed, so he’s ready to go.”
“Stephen is hugely popular with viewers, he’s a consummate professional and as an added bonus he’s worked with Holly for decades – they both started out on television together.”
“Knowing that Stephen will be by her side could be the comfort blanket Holly needs to say yes.”
MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.
Holly and Phillip Schofield hosted Dancing On Ice from 2006 to 2023, with the exception of 2012 to 2014 when Christine Lampard took Holly’s place.
Holly wasn’t smiling while with her family this week, but those close to her said she was “getting better every day.”
A TV insider told The Sun: “Stephen has been the frontrunner to replace Phillip for months but ITV are delighted that he is now signed, sealed and ready to go.”
The presenter put on a brave face as she joined her family for Christmas dinner on Thursday as she was seen for the first time after months of being too scared to leave her home.
This Morning was in turmoil this year after Phillip resigned over his “poorly advisable but not illegal” relationship with a much younger colleague and Holly quit after a gruesome alleged murder and kidnapping plot.
ITV bosses hope Stephen on board will convince Holly to return to TV for the show in January (Holly and Stephen pictured for their show Saturday Showdown in 2006)
A friend told MailOnline: “Holly hasn’t wanted to go to a restaurant or anywhere else where other people will see her for quite some time.” She lives in private places but little by little she starts to get her life back.
TV production guru Dan, 48, was seen hugging Holly’s mum Linda as they left the restaurant.
Friends say Holly has relied on the two since she learned in October of former security guard Gavin Plumb’s alleged plot to kidnap and kill her.
Since then, she has found it difficult to leave the home she shares with Dan and her three children Harry (14), Belle (12) and eight-year-old Chester.
The fear of the threat has scared her so much that she has not yet decided whether she will host Dancing On Ice when the show returns next month. However, she is expected to tell ITV in the coming days whether or not she will return.
Holly also canceled her £1 million deal with Marks & Spencer because she continues to fear for her safety.
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
