Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield hosted Dancing on Ice together for 12 seasons (Picture: PA)
Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby is set to return for the next season despite the exit of long-time co-host Phillip Schofield.
The ITV reality competition series first started back in 2006 and was fronted by the This Morning presenters for most of its run until Schofield, 61, sensationally quit ITV after admitting to lying about an affair with a young colleague at the broadcaster.
While there were rumours that both presenters would be replaced on Dancing on Ice, sources have now said Holly, 42, has every intention to return to the role.
‘Holly wants to stay on at Dancing On Ice, she’s made that clear to all concerned and everyone at the network is absolutely delighted,’ a source has said.
‘They haven’t discussed contracts yet, as that will take place after the summer as always, but she’s indicated it will be business as usual. There have been all kinds of rumours that she is to leave but she loves the programme and has a long history with it,’ they added when speaking to the Daily Mail.
‘She will have a say in her new co-host, not the final decision, but Holly will be consulted.’
The pair joined the ITV reality series when it started back in 2006 (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The publication has also reported that Holly is set to begin contract talks in autumn, where she will ‘also have a say in the identity of her new co-host’.
While the possibility of her hosting alone has been considered, the ‘preferred option’ is that she is joined by a co-star.
Since the news of Schofield’s departure, other names thrown into the mix for a replacement have included Stephen Mulhern, Vernon Kay, Bradley Walsh, Joel Dommett and Jordan Banjo.
Last month ITV said Schofield’s replacement would be announced ‘in due course’.
An ITV spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘Dancing On Ice isn’t due on ITV until January 2024 and the series is not currently in production.’
They added ITV would make ‘further announcements’ about the show, including the presenting line-up, in ‘due course.’
Holly and Schofield previously presented Dancing on Ice together for 12 seasons, before and after its four-year hiatus.
The pair hosted together for all but three seasons, when Christine Lampard filled in when Holly left to host The Voice in 2012.
Metro.co.uk has contacted ITV and representatives for Holly Willoughby for comment.
Dancing on Ice is streaming on ITVX.
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‘It will be business as usual.’
