Start date confirmed for Dancing On Ice as Holly Willoughby returns to TV

Holly will host the show alongside Stephen Mulhern

Author: Alex RossPublished 3rd Jan 2024
Last updated 3rd Jan 2024

After bosses confirmed this year's line-up in September, and announced Stephen Mulhern as Phillip Schofield's replacement in December, the time has very nearly arrived for the 2024 series of Dancing On Ice!

When does Dancing On Ice start?

It's now been confirmed series 16 will begin at 6.30pm on Sunday 15th January.

Bosses confirmed the news on social media, writing: 'Confirmed: Dancing on Ice starts Sunday 14 January, 6.30pm on ITV and ITVX'.

Check out all of the celebs taking part this year:

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!"

Despite Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby hosting the show together for a number of years, it's all change for series 16! Following her exit from This Morning, many wondered if Holly would return to TV to host the 2024 series, even more so after Phillip announced he'd resigned from ITV all together in 2023.

However, in between Christmas and New Year, ITV/STV bosses announced the news that Holly would return to host the show, alongside brand new presenter Stephen Mulhern.

Speaking about the news, 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."

Holly and Stephen have worked together before, 20 years ago on Ministry Of Mayhem.

Dancing On Ice will begin at ITV/STV on Sunday 15th January.

Now read:

Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby announced to host Dancing On Ice 2024

All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date

Dancing On Ice 2024: Which celebs have signed up?

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