Following the news that ITV’s Dancing on Ice will not be returning, long-time host Holly Willoughby shared her reaction via social media. Posting on Instagram, she expressed her sadness at the show’s end after 19 years, reflecting on its impact.
Here’s the Lowdown: Willoughby posted a message thanking ITV, the production crew, the celebrity participants, and the viewers who supported the show. She described the program arriving each year “like a burst of glittering, dazzling light” during the often dreary month of January. Her post included a picture of herself with co-host Stephen Mulhern and the cast from the final season.
What This Means Now: In her message, Willoughby specifically mentioned the joy of working alongside skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, calling it a privilege to witness their “pure magic” on the ice. She also gave a lighthearted nod to behind-the-scenes essentials like “Arnica, Deep Heat, Spanx and fake tan.”
The Bigger Picture: Willoughby, who hosted from 2006-2011 and again from 2018, stated she “will miss it hugely” but feels lucky to have been part of it for so long. Her sign-off was a direct thank you to the audience: “Thank you to you for watching, you’re the BEST!” This marks the end of an era for the popular ice-skating competition and a significant chapter in Willoughby’s presenting career.
