Holly Willoughby Hints at the Future of Dancing on Ice Following Series 17 Finale
Holly Willoughby has finally spoken out about the fate of Dancing On Ice, following the announcement that the beloved ITV show has been put on hold. The presenter took to Instagram to express her gratitude to the crew and celebrities who have been part of the show throughout its history.
In her heartfelt message, Holly stated: “A huge thank you to @itv, the brilliant team, crew, celebrities, and everyone who has been part of our Dancing On Ice family over the last 19 years. Every year, just when January felt at its greyest, Dancing On Ice arrived like a burst of glittering, dazzling light, warm, joyful, and full of heart… It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside true national treasures Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and to have a front-row seat to their breathtaking skating. Watching them glide across the ice was nothing less than pure magic… A special thanks must also go to Arnica, Deep Heat, Spanx, and fake tan, the unsung heroes of the rink! I will miss it hugely, but I count myself so lucky to have had it for as long as we did. Finally, and most importantly, thank you to you for watching; you’re the BEST!”
An ITV spokesperson confirmed the news, stating: “Following another successful series earlier this year, Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the cast and crew who have worked on the show since 2006, and over the previous 17 series, for all their hard work both on and off the ice.”
This marks a significant change for Holly, who finds herself without work on the channel for the first time in 21 years. Just last night, we revealed that the show had been shelved after facing declining ratings this season, which concluded with Sam Aston from Coronation Street being crowned the champion.
Last week, reports surfaced indicating that the show’s set was being dismantled and stored long-term. Morale behind the scenes has reportedly plummeted amid the uncertainty surrounding the show’s future. A source shared, “The staff have been told that the set is going into long-term storage, and everyone thinks this is the final nail in the coffin. Nobody’s heard anything about the show for next year, and casting usually starts next month, with the cast confirmed in June.”
With the set being dismantled, concerns about the future of the show are understandably increasing. Viewership has dropped significantly, leading to a shroud of uncertainty surrounding the series. Earlier this year, panellists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean announced that their final series would conclude with a farewell arena tour. Additionally, long-serving professional skaters such as Brendyn Hatfield and Mark Hanretty have also confirmed they will not be returning.
Holly even dropped a major hint about the show’s hiatus during the finale when she signed off by saying, “See you next time,” instead of the traditional, “See you next year.” To add to the speculation, costumes from the nearly two-decade-long show have started appearing for auction on eBay, including a statement piece worn by Andy Whyment, whose vibrant 1980s bomber jacket is currently up for grabs.
Recapping Dancing On Ice Through the Years
In celebration of the iconic show, here are some fascinating facts:
- Over 200 celebrities have graced the ice over 17 series, resulting in a total of 245 episodes.
- Approximately 100 unique Bolero costumes have been created for the performers.
- Countless thousands of sequins have been used in costumes throughout the show’s run.
- Thousands of bottles of spray tan have been utilized by contestants over the years.
- There have been countless unforgettable moments, including Gemma Collins’ iconic fall and Todd Carty’s memorable performance.
- Over 80 performances have featured the skating legends Torvill and Dean.
- Numerous impressive skating moves have been showcased, including backflips, scorpion kicks, neck spins, and headbangers.
- A total of 19 judges have contributed to the show’s success.
- The series has witnessed 5 engagements, 3 marriages, and 3 babies among its contestants.
Other notable pieces listed for auction include a studded leather jacket worn by Ferne McCann, starting at just £10, and a striking silver sequined dress donned by S Club’s Hannah Spearritt. A brand new, unworn male sequined jacket and a matching two-piece cream outfit worn by Vicky Ogden are also available, along with an unused H&M sequined mini dress.
Dancing On Ice initially aired from 2006 until its cancellation in 2014, only to be revived later. With Sam Aston winning the most recent series, the future of the show remains uncertain as fans and cast alike await further announcements.
