ITV has made a cryptic statement about the future of its Dancing on Ice presenters following Phillip Schofield's departure from This Morning last week. Earlier this month, a volcano of reports regarding a supposed "feud" between Phil and co-star Holly Willoughby began to erupt, alleging that the pair's once close friendship had "cooled" in recent times.
Away from the This Morning sofa, which they shared for around 14 years, Holly and Phil have fronted Dancing on Ice together since 2006. But viewers of the "greatest show on ice" have been wondering what the next series of the show, which typically airs on Sunday nights in the winter, will look like following Phil's dramatic exit from This Morning last week and rumoured strained relationship with Holly, the Liverpool Echo reports.
As reports of their friendship being on the rocks dominated the headlines, Phil acknowledged the press attention in a statement at the weekend. "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning," the 61-year-old said.
Read more: This Morning's Josie Gibson relaxes as Phillip Schofield's career on the ITV show ends
"But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.
"I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love. So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning's amazing viewers – and I'll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Holly has taken a break from This Morning, and will return to the sofa on Monday, June 5. In the meantime, usual Friday hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have stepped in to be on presenting duties, although Alison has been joined by Craig Doyle today (May 24) as Dermot celebrates his 50th birthday.
It is not yet known exactly what will happen to Dancing on Ice, although a spokesperson for ITV told Metro.co.uk that "further announcements" will be made in "due course". "Dancing On Ice isn’t due on ITV until January 2024 and the series is not currently in production," they added.
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