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31st Dec 2023

Holly Willoughby is focusing on ‘fresh, positive start to 2024’ as she returns to ITV’s Dancing On Ice

Sophie Collins

Holly Willoughby

We can’t wait to see Holly Willoughby back on our screens!

Reports are suggesting that Holly Willoughby wants to publicly draw a line under her recent absence from television amid her return to Dancing On Ice.

The beloved TV star has been keeping a low profile in recent months following an alleged plot to kidnap her emerged back in October, which led to her stepping down from This Morning after 14 years.

Now, Holly Willoughby will reportedly briefly acknowledge her absence from TV on Dancing On Ice which returns to screens in just two week’s time.

A TV insider told The Sun this week that: “Holly is really looking forward to putting 2023 behind her and focusing on a fresh, positive start to a new year.

“She is considering a very brief comment at the top of the opening show, along the lines of “It’s good to be back,” or “Thanks for your support” – drawing a firm line under her hiatus and marking the beginning of a new optimistic term.”

Holly shared a statement with her fans on Instagram in light of her decision to step down from her presenting duties back in October and said: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.

“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.

“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said, ‘We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’ It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly.”

ITV confirmed Holly’s return earlier this month with Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, saying: “Holly and Stephen are two of our best loved presenters, so reuniting them twenty years after they first appeared on screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.

“Celebrating 20 years since they first worked together on Ministry of Mayhem, Willoughby and Mulhern will preside over the action on the high octane skating show as this year’s celebrities compete to become champion of the ice. Judges Torvill and Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse are back on the panel.”

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