Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern look unrecognisable in throwback snap

01 January 2024 , 19:41

832     0

Stephen will co-present Dancing On Ice with Holly (Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern look quite different in an old photo from the start of their careers.

They are both set to host the new series of ITV's Dancing On Ice this month. After Holly, 42, left This Morning and Phillip Schofield was let go from ITV, there were rumours that she wouldn't be back. But fans were thrilled when it was announced that Holly would return and Stephen would join as co-host.

Holly and Stephen, 46, have known each other for nearly 20 years. They started their TV careers on children's shows. From January 2004 to July 2006, they hosted CITV's Ministry Of Mayhem. In a throwback photo shared by ITV in 2018, Holly and Stephen looked very young. The photo was taken in 2005 when Holly was 24 and Stephen was 28. The official ITV account wrote: "Fresh-faced and almost unrecognisable - what a pair of mischief makers @stephenmulhern @hollywills in their Ministry of Mayhem days!"

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern look very different (PA)

The pair have been friends for two decades (WireImage)

Stephen fondly remembered working with Holly, saying: "I absolutely loved it with Holly. We had a great time. And the response on social media was amazing. It would be great to work with Holly again."

ITV's Katie Rawcliffe commented on Holly and Stephen teaming up for Dancing On Ice: "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."

Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries

After leaving her role in October, Holly is now set to return, following Phillip Schofield's earlier exit due to his admission of an "unwise but not illegal" affair. With Phillip confirming his departure from ITV, Stephen Mulhern filled in. There were questions about Holly's return until she agreed to come back in December.

ITV is thrilled and wants to make sure Holly feels safe at work. Rumour has it that Holly's new deal lets her leave after one series if she chooses. A source claimed to The Sun: "Bosses have been working hard to ensure she feels completely secure, trying not to put any pressure on all while making sure she knows they are ready to support her every step of the way. Everyone is absolutely delighted Holly has decided to return - she's such an integral and popular part of Dancing On Ice. Holly feels happy and energised and new co-host Stephen is thrilled she's on board. He's sent a supportive message already."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Daniel Bird