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New Dancing On Ice host officially signs up in boost for bosses who want Holly Willoughby to stay after ‘kidnap plot’
Holly Willoughby broke cover for the first time since quitting This Morning in October
STEPHEN Mulhern has officially signed as the new Dancing on Ice host, replacing Phillip Schofield.
The Sun can reveal it's been a huge boost to ITV bosses in their quest to convince Holly Willoughby to confirm her return.
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She was seen for the first time since her 'kidnap plot' ordeal as she broke cover today.
The mum of three has been mulling over her future on TV after quitting This Morning in October.
ITV bosses are anticipating her word on whether she will present Dancing on Ice in January - with just three days to go until the show's launch.
Relieved chiefs hope installing Holly’s long time friend Stephen will help persuade her to return to the rink.
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A TV insider said: “Stephen has been the frontrunner to take Phillip’s spot for months but ITV is thrilled to now have him signed and sealed and ready to roll.
“It means that, whatever happens, they have at least one host for the skate show.
“Stephen is hugely loved by viewers, is a consummate professional and as an added bonus has worked with Holly for decades - they both started out in telly together.
“Knowing Stephen will be there beside her could be the comfort blanket Holly needs to say yes.”
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The first sighting of Holly, 42, also sparked hope she was eyeing a return to the spotlight.
In a bright red jumpsuit, camel coat and heels, she was seen heading to a restaurant after a trip to the cinema in London with her husband Dan Baldwin.
Holly had been keeping a low profile since an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was exposed in October, when she quit This Morning and put her other TV projects on ice.
Stephen was favoured for the role of DOI co-host previously held by Phillip Schofield, 61, until the veteran presenter quit ITV earlier this year when his affair with a young male runner was exposed.
The source added: “Holly’s situation remains up in the air and producers are now counting down to the start in days rather than weeks.
“They’re looking at every avenue to try and get it across the line, but do also have a ‘Plan B’ list of several figures who could fill her spot.”
Earlier this week, The Sun revealed I’m A Celebrity star Josie Gibson, 38, was favoured, as well as This Morning host Rochelle Humes, 34, and Christine Lampard, 44, who hosted Dancing On Ice with Phil from 2012 to 2014.
Stephen stood in for Phillip - alongside Holly - in February 2022 when Schofield was stricken by Covid.
Together they presented Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown on CITV in the early Noughties.
Speaking to The Sun in November, Stephen said: “You know what, we are talking about Dancing On Ice, 100 percent, but nothing’s been confirmed.
“I’d be crazy not to do it.
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“It’s that thing isn’t it…. I still know some of the team obviously, and Holly is a dream partner to work with.”
The new role caps a triumphant year for Mulhern, after his reboot of legendary quiz Deal or No Deal for ITV was a hit with critics and viewers alike.
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