Dancing on Ice’s Phillip Schofield in emotional tribute to Holly Willoughby as he explains why he’s hosting alone

DANCING On Ice's Phillip Schofield shared an emotional tribute to Holly Willoughby as he explained why he's hosting tonight's show alone.

Phillip, 59, presenting the ITV skating show alone for the first time after Holly tested positive for Covid.

Wearing a black suit, The This Morning host stood on his own and told fans that he would be hosting the show solo.

He looked to the left of him and appeared startled as he informed the viewers at home about his missing co-star.

"As you can see Holly is not here with me tonight," Phillip said.

"We found out just a few hours ago that she's tested positive for Covid.

"I know what it's like to watch this show from home, it is really weird.

"Holly get well soon. Lots of love."

ITV viewers were gutted to see Holly missing from tonight's semi-final and said it didn't look right without her.

One wrote: "So gutted that Holly's not presenting tonight. #DoI"

Another posted: "It's just not right without Holly, come back soon. #DancingonIce"

"We miss you Holly, you always look so fabulous in your dresses," a third chimed.

Earlier today Phillip revealed that he's gutted pal Holly is missing tonight's show.

Sharing a smiley snap of the two together on Instagram, he wrote: "Gutted that my mate won't be with me on Dancing on Ice tonight.

"Get well soon darlin [love heart]."

A spokesman for the show broke the news of Holly's absence earlier today.

They said in a statement: "Unfortunately, Holly Willoughby is unable to host tonight's show after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Holly returning for the Dancing on Ice Live Final."

Regan Gascoigne, Kye Whyte, Connor Ball, Kimberley Wyatt and Brendan Cole will battle it out tonight to reach the final.

Holly's absence comes just weeks after Phillip had to miss the show with the same illness.

Stephen Mulhern, 44, filled in for him then, but the ITV star is recovering from an operation and isn't on hand to step in tonight.

Holly will now miss this week’s This Morning and will be replaced by Alison Hammond, Josie Gibson and Rochelle Humes throughout the week.

The TV favourite was last out on Thursday night with husband Dan Baldwin for a party at celeb hotspot Annabel's.

She looked stunning in a shimmering dress with a thigh-high split, while Dan wore an extravagant fur-lined coat.

Yesterday she carried out domestic duties, sharing a hoovering blunder on Instagram after her pet dog chomped on the vacuum.

Her absence is the latest headache for channel bosses as they deal with poorly stars.

Last night The Sun exclusively revealed Stephen Mulhern is resting up after an operation.

Fans were concerned at the star’s mystery three-week absence from Saturday Night Takeaway.

A source close to him said: “Stephen went to hospital for a medical procedure, but has been discharged now and is focusing all his energy on his recovery.

“He’s hoping to return to the show as soon as he’s feeling better and well enough. He’s currently resting up and supporting the lads from home.”

Stephen last appeared on Saturday Night Takeaway for the series opener on February 19, where he dressed up as Donald Trump. He had also not been tweeting.

Stephen, who also fronts Catchphrase on ITV, yesterday broke his online silence to thank fans for their support. 

He tweeted: “Hello all. Sorry I’ve been quiet on here recently and thank you for all your lovely messages. 

“I’ve had some time off and been resting up on doctors orders. I’m on the mend, I’m happy to say, and looking forward to getting back to work soon. In the meantime I’ll put my feet up and watch Saturday Night Takeaway tonight with the rest of you lot."