Phillip Schofield speaks on the ‘Dancing on Ice’ show
Phillip Schofield has admitted the fate of Dancing on Ice is up in the air, expressing “who knows” whether the ITV show will air next weekend. With a flurry of celebrity exits and shock injuries, the skating competition has been plagued by bad luck since its launch last month.
Last weekend, Dancing on Ice took an unprecedented break, with ITV deciding to pause the competition for one week.
Phil admitted it was strange to stay at home on Sunday evening, watching the filler shows Dancing on Ice: The Greatest Show on Ice.
He then said “who knows” whether dancing On Ice will hit our screens next weekend as planned.
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Phillip mused: “Hopefully we are up and running with that next week, with a bit of luck. I mean, who knows, frankly.”
His co-host Holly Willoughby was more optimistic, telling viewers: “It’ll be fine. Remain positive.”
Phillip and Holly have co-presented the ITV series since the show’s 2006 inception, ushering tens of celebrities through the rink over the past 13 seasons.
Last week, ITV released a statement confirming their decision to halt the current season of Dancing on Ice, assuring viewers the show will return on February 28.
A spokesperson said: “ITV have taken the decision to pause Dancing on Ice this week and there will be no live show on Sunday 21st February.
“The welfare of all of those involved is important to us and we felt it prudent to take a week’s break at this juncture.”
After the first skate-off, contestant Denise Van Outen was forced to step out of the competition after suffering a shoulder injury on the ice.
Phillip said “who knows” whether ‘Dancing On Ice’ will hit our screens next weekend
Former TOWIE star Billie Shepherd was the next to make an unexpected exit, having suffered a concussion while training with her partner Mark Hanretty.
Comedian Rufus Hound followed them out the door when he was forced to leave the series after testing positive for coronavirus.
Just days later, Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant and his professional skate partner Vanessa Bauer similarly bowed out of the competition after he received a positive test result.
When the medical team advised Aussie actor Jason Donovan to temporarily leave the competition, ‘Dancing On Ice’ bosses decided it would be best to give the contestants the opportunity to take a “break”.
Faye Brooke’s partner Hamish Gaman has since left the series following an injury, leaving professional skater Matt Evers to take his place.