22 January 2024 , 12:36
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Holly Willoughby has slipped back onto our television screens as Dancing On Ice is back for another season.
The first episode of series 15 centred around the mum-of-three's return to ITV, following her decision to quit This Morning. Holly, 42, stepped down from her presenting role after a 14-year stint when it emerged she had been the subject of an alleged kidnap and murder plot last year.
The decision to take a break followed a tough year for the star, from the infamous 'queue gate' to falling out with Philip Scofield after he admitted to lying about an affair with a younger colleague.
But Holly looked back to her old self during Sunday's Dancing On Ice. She presented alongside Stephen Mulhern and stunned in an all sequin silver dress.
Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willoughby on Dancing On Ice series 15 (Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Holly has been committed to the show since its launch in 2006. The former Celebrity Juice star, who started out doing children's TV, once said it was the "first grown-up telly" she had ever done.
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While she is clearly passionate about the show, taking part herself is something she has always ruled out, as one of the professional skaters on the show once confirmed.
Mark Hanretty has been on the show since 2011 and is currently partnered with Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson. Speaking about the host, he said: "I think Holly has been quite vocal about how she'd never do the show because she recognises how much work it is. She's super-keen to show her respect for any celeb who takes part."
Holly took a break between 2011 and 2016 as her friend Christine Lampard took over the role from 2012 and 2014. While there was no official reason for Holly's exit at the time, it was later revealed that she was offered a job on a rival show.
The presenter defected from Dancing on Ice to front the first series of the UK edition of BBC's The Voice in 2012. Dancing on Ice was axed in 2014 before making a comeback in 2017 and Holly returned to the presenting gig.
Holly has now been reunited with her old friend Stephen Mulhern on the screen two decades after the pair presented ITV Saturday children's morning show Ministry Of Mayhem. Fans have applauded the duo, describing them as "fun", "amazing", and "injecting some real fun", into the iconic ice skating show.
Dancing On Ice is on ITV/ITVX on Sundays from 6.30pm.