Yahoo News What to expect from Holly Willoughby’s dazzling return to TV on Dancing on Ice
From Holly Willoughby's opening words to wow-factor outfits
Holly Willoughby is returning to the small screen for the first time since Willoughby quit This Morning after 14 years. ITV's darling retreated from the spotlight in October and she has been lying low ever since after it was reported she become the target of an alleged murder and kidnap plot.
Willoughby, 42, bid an emotional goodbye to This Morning as she said at the time: "This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together. I will not be returning to This Morning." Her ITV co-stars rallied around her and publicly shared their support while the presenter took time away from fame.
But now this weekend, the ITV star plans to make her triumphant return to TV on skating reality series Dancing on Ice alongside her long-time friend Stephen Mulhern. Her previous co-star Phillip Schofield had stepped down from his TV jobs last year after his previous relationship with a younger male colleague hit headlines.
Initially there had been a question mark over whether Willoughby would return after everything that had happened and everyone was asking: what will Holly Willoughby do next? So naturally TV bosses were delighted when Willoughby confirmed she would be back on the ice. Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, said: "Holly and Stephen are two of our best-loved presenters, so reuniting them 20 years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing On Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show."
Willoughby has shared her excitement on social media ahead of her return. Alongside a photograph of the Dancing on Ice script, she wrote: "And so it begins." What can we expect from Willoughby's sparkling comeback? From her wow-factor outfits to possible opening words, we take a look...
Holly Willoughby's wardrobe
Willoughby is known for her incredible style and it wasn't uncommon for her outfits on This Morning to sell out. Week after week on Dancing on Ice, the TV presenter never disappointed with her dramatic and pretty princess-style ballgowns - with every dress as sensational as the week before.
Willoughby wowed in a £3,200 strapless red Vivienne Westwood gown in her first official photograph for Dancing on Ice. Plus, stylist Dannii Whiteman has already teased a look at some of the fabulous dresses fit for a princess that she has lined up for Willoughby's appearances on Dancing on Ice.
Holly and Stephen Mulhern's close bond
Dancing on Ice hosts Willoughby and Mulhern go way back after appearing on children's TV together 20 years ago in 2004. They shared the screen for the first time on Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown, which was first known as Ministry of Mayhem.
They may have made their own ways in the showbiz world but Willoughby and Mulhern have been friends for two decades. More recently they worked together again when Schofield tested positive for Covid and Mulhern stepped in for him on Dancing on Ice in 2020.
In October, Mulhern gushed about working with Willoughby again saying it was "so lovely" and they had a "great time together". He gave the chat confirming he was in talks for hosting Dancing on Ice. He told The Daily Mail: "I used to do the spinoff show Defrosted and when I stood in for Phil when he wasn't too well, he had COVID, I really enjoyed it and it was so lovely being back with Holly. We had a great time together plus lots of the team were the same from when I did the ITV2 show.
"We are talking about it, but I promise you now that nothing is confirmed but if it happens, it will be absolutely amazing... If it doesn't, look, it doesn't. I promise you I would tell you if we had it confirmed at this point. The lineup is the best it has been in a few years... I am keeping across the lineup, just in case... It is a huge staple, and it has been around."
Mulhern shone a light on their friendship and how he always turns to Willoughby with a problem. In 2014, he told The Sun: "Ant and Dec, Emma Willis and Holly Willoughby are proper mates. But that's about it. If I had a problem I'd go to Holly, and if I want advice that makes no sense and probably makes things worse, I'll ask Ant and Dec."
Holly Willoughby's opening words
Well loved for her bubbly persona, Willoughby will turn on the charm with her return to TV. Always smiling and laughing, we can expect to see the happy-go-lucky star enjoying herself as she makes her comeback to work.
As well as her charm, people will be listening out for Willoughby's opening words. The Sun reported Willoughby may address her three-month absence with a simple "it's good to be back" or "thanks for the support" as she moves forward with a positive 2024.
Rituals
As the weekend nears, Willoughby will be preparing herself for her return to TV. She has been establishing herself as a lifestyle guru similar to Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow. In recent months, the wellness guru revealed how she helps centre herself and stays calm.
Via her Wylde Moon Instagram, she shared her thoughts: "Lighting a candle is a lovely ritual that helps you centre yourself... I love to set an intention when I light a candle, to think about the things that I’ve achieved that day and to let go of all the things that might stop me from sleeping.
"Blowing out the candle is a nod to the fact that it’s done, and that there’s always tomorrow. I love to watch the smoke rise up, swirl round, and disappear. And when that last little bit of smoke has gone, you’ll realise that you’ve been sitting there, still, for a while."
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV on 14 January.
