Holly Willoughby returns to social media for the first time since leaving This Morning

Holly shared a post to her Instagram page

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 12th Jan 2024
Last updated 12th Jan 2024

Holly Willoughby has made a return to social media, sharing a post to her Instagram page for the first time in three months.

The 42-year-old posted on her grid for the first time since leaving her hosting role on ITV's This Morning. In the post, Holly looked ahead to the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice, which she is presenting alongside Stephen Mulhern.

Sharing a snap of the script for the show, Holly simply wrote: 'And so it begins… ⛸️'. The post quickly amassed thousands of likes, with many fans and fellow famous faces also taking to the comments section to share their love and support.

In October 2023, Holly announced her departure from This Morning after 14 years, sharing a statement to her Instagram page which read: '‘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.'

Take a look at the 2024 Dancing On Ice line-up:

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!"

Holly will return to TV as series 16 of Dancing On Ice hits our screens on Sunday, 14th January. Stephen Mulhern will be appearing alongside Holly, replacing previous host Phillip Schofield.

Steven and Holly first worked together as presenters on Ministry Of Mayhem 20 years ago. Speaking about the pairing, 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."

Now read:

Everything you need to know about Dancing On Ice 2024

All of the Dancing On Ice winners to date

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

How to listen to Northsound 1:

For great music, brilliant banter and incredible competitions tune into Northsound 1 on 96.9, 97.6 or 103.0 FM, online, on our Northsound app, your DAB digital radio, or say ‘Play Northsound 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We give you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years.