Holly Willoughby has made some seismic life changes over the past few years. She ended her 14-year tenure at This Morning in 2023, after it was revealed she was the target of a kidnap plot, taking a step away from the limelight. But through all the upheaval, which also included moving to a new home, the star has maintained one constant – her long-standing gig as co-presenter of Dancing on Ice.
The show marked Holly’s return to TV after Gavin Plumb was arrested for his terrifying plan to kidnap, rape and murder the star – he was later sentenced to life in prison. Holly resumed hosting duties for the latest series alongside close friend Stephen Mulhern last month, but according to insiders, she’s now reconsidering her role on the show. Having long been the darling of ITV, she’s currently winning plaudits fronting Celebrity Bear Hunt with survival expert Bear Grylls on Netflix, and has been reaping the benefits with a slew of presenting offers and brand deals, leaving her –we’re told – feeling emboldened to leave the past behind.
‘Holly has been thinking about her future,’ says an insider close to the TV presenter and lifestyle influencer, who’s just launched her own range of hiking boots with high-end footwear brand Grenson to tie in with the Netflix series.
‘Considering the success she’s having with Bear Hunt and the response to her new boot collection, as well as her general new style and attitude, Holly feels like she’s finally shed that girl-next-door image and she wants to capitalise on that. She loves Dancing On Ice and it’s been a joy to work with Stephen again, but it’s not hitting the heights it used to, and it’s quite a commitment to work every Sunday for over three months.’
It’s been almost 20 years since Holly, 44, first began presenting the skating show alongside Phillip Schofield – marking a major step in her career. She continued to present the series until 2011, when she first stepped down to focus on other work. Then, when the show got revamped in 2018, she returned and has been at the helm ever since.
However, it’s clear Holly’s priorities have now changed, and – having recently admitted she was ‘scared’ to make the leap from daytime TV, the response has encouraged her to keep trying new things. Sadly, for Dancing On Ice fans, this means her days may be numbered.
‘Holly has enjoyed having more freedom and feels she will have even more if she quits DOI,’ we’re told. ‘It would be a very hard and emotional decision to walk away, but she’s not scared of anything – she just wants to do what’s best for her.’
