ITV’s Dancing on Ice welcomed regular host Phillip Schofield back to the fold this evening after he was forced to isolate with Covid-19.
The 56-year-old tested positive for coronavirus days before the live skating competition, forcing ITV to scramble for a replacement.
Stephen Mulhern, 44, stepped in to host alongside Holly Willoughby, 41, reuniting the pair for the first time since their work on Ministry of Mayhem in 2006.
As the ITV show entered its fifth week of the competition and Phillip returned to the rink alongside Holly, he said of last week: "I had serious FOMO - made better by three or four gin and tonics. Well done to Stephen Mulhern as well - you're welcome."
But fans were left calling for the Catchphrase host to be brought back in a permanent role after the pair’s stellar onscreen partnership last weekend.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “Miss Stephen Mulhern already TBH," while another said: "Oh no. Phil’s back. Hope to see Stephen back soon."
Another wrote: "I wish Stephen would host again he's an amazing presenter #DancingOnIce"
A fellow fan chimed: "Sorry Phil but I want Stephen back #DancingOnIce"
Another social media user wrote: "Nah, I'm off to watch midsomer murders. No Philip Schofield thanks, rather have Stephen Mulhern! #DancingOnIce"
Another said: "No offence to Phil but I think Stephen Mulhern is a better fit for #DancingOnIce his presenting was part of my childhood with CITV and Ministry of Mayhem"
A fellow ITV viewer tweeted: "#DancingOnIce Couldn't we keep Stephen Mulhern? #VoteSchofieldOff"
After the show last week, Holly took to Instagram to congratulate Stephen, writing: "Standing ovation for Stephen Mulhern after being parachuted in at the last minute tonight.
"Loved sharing the screen with you again after 16 years… Well done darlin'."
Before he appeared alongside Holly on Dancing on Ice, Stephen said: “I’m very much looking forward to being back hosting alongside my good friend Holly this weekend. It’s big shoes to fill and I’m wishing Phillip a speedy recovery.
“'I’m a big fan of Dancing on Ice and for one night only I’m thrilled to be rink side watching the action unfold. It’s going to be unbelievable!”
Meanwhile, Phillip watched the show from the comfort of his home with a gin and tonic in hand, having tested himself several times in the hopes of a negative result.
The This Morning presenter shared a photo of his lateral flow tests, writing on Instagram : “Sorry Dancing On Ice. Have an amazing show Stephen Mulhern it's so much fun x.”
Philip shared that he was watching along and held up a drink while writing: “Well this is an experience I never expected!! I'm watching with a G&T.”
On Monday’s instalment of the ITV daytime show, Phillip called in from his London home to share an update with viewers.
Holly said: “We obviously missed you hugely on Dancing on Ice. That was so weird. I’ve never ever done that show with anyone else apart from you.”
Phillip replied saying he was “absolutely perfectly okay”.
He added: “I’ve ploughed my way through box sets, I’ve been cooking, I’ve been wandering around thinking what should I do next, I’ve sat in the garden for about half an hour because the sun came out, but I’m locked in.”
Holly went on to say that she nearly sent her dog over to Phillip’s house over the weekend, as he was “so on his own”.
She added: “Then we thought, maybe Bailey could get Covid and send it back to me.”
Phillip continued: “I have cleaned every single cupboard, every single surface, every everything.”
Phillip subsequently returned a negative test for Covid-19, allowing him to come out of isolation at his home and rejoin the This Morning sofa with Holly.
