Dancing On Ice viewers dub Stephen Mulhern the 'perfect replacement'
He's replaced Philip Schofield on the show
The 2024 series of Dancing On Ice returned to our screens on Sunday 14th January, with half of this year's determined celebrities hitting the ice for the first time, including Amber Davies, Greg Rutherford MBE, Hannah Spearritt, Ricky Hatton MBE, Roxy Shahidi, and Ryan Thomas.
But whilst the celebs showed off their skills, all talk was about the presenters during the opening episode, as Holly Willoughby made her return to TV alongside brand new host Stephen Mulhern.
Stephen, who has replaced Phillip Schofield on the show, has been praised for viewers for his presenting skills, with many dubbing him the 'perfect replacement' alongside Holly.
One wrote: 'Fifteen minutes in, and Dancing On Ice is so much better with Stephen Mulhern as co-host. There's so much more energy to the show now, and Holly Willoughby seems noticeably more relaxed with Stephen Mulhern than she did with Philip Schofield doing it. #DancingOnIce' (sic)
Another wrote: 'Stephen Mulhern is brilliant on dancing on ice', with another adding: 'Stephen is the perfect replacement for DOI, love him'. (sic)
Another fan wrote: 'This is brilliant Stephen!!! So thrilled it's back and you're gonna smash it!! Great team up!!' (sic)
Stephen's first show came with some fun as he was 'knocked out' by former professional boxer Ricky Hatton during an interview. Viewers were left in hysterics as Stephen hit the deck, leaving co-host Holly in shock.
Following the show, Ricky responded to the moment on X, writing: 'Ricky even landing knockout blows on @dancingonice 🥊😂 Hope you’re okay @StephenMulhern 😭'. (sic)
Check out all of this year's Dancing On Ice celebs:
Ryan Thomas - WINNER
Best known for: Coronation Street actor and TV personality
Miles Nazaire - SECOND PLACE
Best known for: Made In Chelsea star
Miles said ahead of the show: "I've always loved to dance but it's usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult. I keep thinking about how I'm going to need to have rhythm while balancing on a thin blade and that's when I feel the nerves kick in, but this is such an unbelievable opportunity to get totally out of my comfort zone."
Adele Roberts - THIRD PLACE
Best known for: Radio DJ
Adele said ahead of the show: "It's 'bricking it on ice' for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away. I did radio as it's not visual. That's going to be a big challenge. After cancer I have my life back; I actually can't wait for the glam!"
Greg Rutherford MBE - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Olympic long jumper
Greg said ahead of the show: "My kids love dancing around so hopefully they are going to enjoy watching me dance with blades on my feet! I think this is going to be a really different experience but one that will be quite exciting."
Amber Davies - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Love Island winner and West End star
Amber said ahead of the show: "I would definitely say that I'm an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them, I don't want the adrenalin to get the better of me. I can count on one hand how many times I've ice skated."
Eddie the Eagle - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former Olympic Ski Jumper
Eddie said ahead of the show: "It's bittersweet as whilst I'm delighted to be taking part in the new series I'm gutted for Stephen and wish him a speedy recovery. Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. It's a challenge I think I'm going to relish!"
Ricky Norwood - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Actor
Ricky said ahead of the show: "Being on the ice! I'm apprehensive about the lifts, especially the headbanger. I've got to trust in the process, trust in the training, trust in the trainers."
Roxy Shahidi - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Emmerdale actress
Lou Sanders - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Comedian and Writer
Lou said ahead of the show: "I'm nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can't afford to lose any more brain cells. I'm also worried about my partner picking me up, he's going to have to be very strong and very brave."
Claire Sweeney - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Coronation Street actress and TV host
Claire said ahead of the show: "I'm really looking forward to going to an ice rink with my son and actually being able to skate and not have to use the penguins they give you to help you stay upright! I've had to wear my boots around the house... I haven't stepped on the ice yet."
Hannah Spearritt - ELIMINATED
Known for: S Club singer and actress
Hannah said ahead of the show: "I'm really excited about learning a new skill. It's so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing. Fitness is another reason why I'm doing it! It's really exciting."
Ricky Hatton MBE - ELIMINATED
Best known for: Former World Champion Boxer
Ricky said ahead of the show: "If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink. I like setting new challenges and keeping myself busy!"
Stephen Lustig-Webb - FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Gogglebox star
Stephen said ahead of the show: "The last time I was on the ice I think I was 14 (years old) so almost 40 years ago. I have been back on the ice since just for a quick spin around, I didn't fall over so that was a good thing! I've got a new appreciation for skating. I can see how truly difficult it is. From the comfort of my sofa I was probably a little too judgey, I didn't realise how hard it is!"
ITV/STV bosses announced this year's hosts in December, with Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning saying: "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."
Dancing On Ice continues every Sunday night on ITV/STV.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2024
All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date
Dancing On Ice star forced to QUIT just days ahead of launch show