Dancing On Ice Taken Off Air by ITV
Key Insights
Show Cancellation: ITV has officially "rested" *Dancing On Ice* for 2026, citing no immediate plans for its return.
Declining Viewership: The show experienced a drop in ratings, with the 2025 launch attracting an average of 2.9 million live viewers, down from 3.6 million for the 2024 premiere.
Hosting Changes: The show was hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern in its final series, following Phillip Schofield's departure from ITV in 2023. Holly Willoughby expressed sadness about the decision but gratitude for the show's run.
Expert Opinions: PR experts suggest this could be a turning point for Holly Willoughby, potentially pivoting towards online lifestyle content, while being a "huge blow" for Stephen Mulhern amidst personal challenges. The retirement of judges Torvill and Dean from live skating is also seen as a contributing factor.
Why this matters: The cancellation marks the end of a significant fixture in UK Sunday night television for nearly 20 years, reflecting shifts in viewing habits and the challenges faced by long-running formats. It also prompts career re-evaluations for its prominent hosts and judges.
In-Depth Analysis
*Dancing On Ice* first debuted in 2006, pairing celebrities with professional skaters under the watchful eyes of judges, including iconic Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. For many years, it was a ratings success for ITV. However, recent series have struggled to maintain audience figures. The 2025 series launch saw a significant dip compared to the previous year.
The departure of original co-host Phillip Schofield in 2023, after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague, cast a shadow. While Holly Willoughby returned alongside Stephen Mulhern (reuniting their early presenting partnership), some felt the original chemistry wasn't replicated.
Experts suggest the changing media landscape, with the rise of social media and streaming, contributed to the show's decline. The retirement of Torvill and Dean from live skating after the 2025 series likely played a role in ITV's decision.
For Holly Willoughby, this could be an opportunity to focus on her lifestyle brand, Wylde Moon, and build a stronger online presence, moving away from traditional TV. For Stephen Mulhern, who faced personal difficulties including health issues and the loss of his father, the cancellation is seen as a setback, though he maintains other ITV roles on shows like *Celebrity Catchphrase* and *Deal Or No Deal*. Judges Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo are expected to pursue other television and performance opportunities.
FAQs
Q: Why was Dancing On Ice cancelled?
A: ITV has officially "rested" the show for 2026 with no current plans for return, primarily due to declining viewer numbers and potentially influenced by factors like hosting changes and the retirement of judges Torvill & Dean from live skating.
Q: Who hosted the last series of Dancing On Ice?
A: The final series in 2025 was hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.
Q: What might happen to the hosts and judges now?
A: Experts speculate Holly Willoughby may focus more on online ventures and her lifestyle brand. Stephen Mulhern continues with other ITV projects. Judges Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo have various other commitments in television and dance.
Key Takeaways
Viewers will miss a long-standing Sunday night entertainment show.
The cancellation reflects broader trends in television viewing and the life cycle of reality formats.
The hosts and judges are likely to remain in the public eye through different projects, potentially exploring new media platforms.
Discussion
The end of *Dancing On Ice* marks a shift in ITV's programming. Do you think resting the show was the right decision, or will you miss it? Let us know!
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Sources & References
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