Torvill and Dean on what Phillip Schofield’s replacement Stephen Mulhern will bring to Dancing on Ice

Virgin Radio

11 Jan 2024, 10:30

The new series of Dancing on Ice is almost upon us, with a whole new bunch of stars set to take to the ice, as Stephen Mulhern becomes a full-time host.

The Catchphrase star takes over from original co-host Phillip Schofield, and will team up with Holly Willoughby, who, like Schofield, also left This Morning last year. The new series - which starts on Sunday 14th January - will once again see Torvill and Dean return as judges, along with Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.

Stephen is stranger to the show, having previously hosted its spin-off programme, Dancing on Ice Defrosted, and filled in for Schofield when was isolating with Covid-19.

Speaking about the new permanent host at the Dancing on Ice 2024 launch event, Christopher Dean exclusively told virginradio.co.uk: “He's been part of the family right from the beginning, because he used to do the late show of it. So, he's been a part of it, and then he's filled in as well.”

On what the presenter will bring to the role, the ice skating legend said: “I think he and Holly are going to have a really good rapport, because I think they've worked together in children's TV as well. So I think it's great for them. They've sort of grown up now and he'll bring a freshness to the show, I think, as well.”

On being back for another series, he told us: “Every year that we come back, we're really happy. And we're excited for this 2024 season with the cast that we've got. I think they're very excitable, and there's some good talent in there as well. So I think it's gonna be a great series.”

Jayne Torvill said: “We haven't seen everybody skate. So that's why it's exciting. We know who we've got here, but we haven't seen their performances.”

Christopher added: “The rumour mill is that there's lots of good talent, and there's no one person that's ahead. And so it's great for the competition, because there'll be jockeying backwards and forwards. So we're looking forward to seeing the improvements from week to week.”

This year’s Dancing On Ice will see stars like Claire Sweeny, Greg Rutherford, Roxy Shahidi and Amber Davies lacing up their skates alongside Adele Roberts, Hanna Spearritt, Lou Sanders, Miles Nazaire, Ricky Hatton, Ricky Norwood, Ryan Thomas and Eddie the Eagle.

Eddie spoke exclusively to virginradio.co.uk about his pro-partner pulling out days before the new series begins. Read about it here.

Dancing on Ice will begin on Sunday, 14th January at 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.