ITV’s Dancing on Ice welcomed back host Phillip Schofield on Sunday evening but he didn’t receive the welcome he probably deserved after a week isolating with Covid.
The 56-year-old This Morning star sat out last weekend after recording a positive result in the previous days, and Stephen Mulhern stepped in to cover.
The 44-year-old has risen to popularity on Saturday night TV, and looked right at home next to Holly Willoughby.
Read more: Dancing On Ice's Connor Ball shares update following injury
As the ITV show entered its fifth week and Phillip returned to the rink on Sunday he joked: "I had serious FOMO - made better by three or four gin and tonics. Well done to Stephen Mulhern as well - you're welcome."
He might not be so kind to Stephen if he takes a look at Twitter’s reaction to his return, as fans took to social media in their droves to call for the Catchphrase host to be brought back in a permanent role.
One fan didn’t hold back, writing: “Wooden presenting, laughing at his own jokes, Holly uptight, generally being smug means Schofield is back. Should put out a 999 Stephen Mulhern to save #DancingOnIce.”
Another wrote: “Stephen is missed presenting the show with Holly #bringstephenback #dancingonice.”
Another said: “Miss Stephen Mulhern already TBH," while another said: "Oh no. Phil’s back. Hope to see Stephen back soon."
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!”
On Monday’s instalment of This Morning 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”.
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