STEPHEN Mulhern has officially signed on as the new host of Dancing on Ice, replacing Phillip Schofield.
The Sun can reveal it was a major boost to ITV bosses in their quest to convince Holly Willoughby to confirm her return.
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Stephen Mulhern previously guest starred alongside Holly Willoughby on Dancing On IceCredit: Rex
She was seen for the first time since her ordeal with the ‘kidnapping plot’ as she stepped out of hiding today.
The mum-of-three has been considering her TV future after leaving This Morning in October.
ITV bosses are expecting her word on whether to present Dancing on Ice in January – with just three days until the show starts.
Relieved bosses hope the appointment of Holly’s long-term friend Stephen will help convince her to return to the rink.
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A TV insider said: “Stephen has been the frontrunner for Phillip’s seat for months, but ITV are delighted to now have him signed and sealed and ready to go.
“It means that whatever happens, they have at least one host for the skate show.
“Viewers really like Stephen, he’s a top professional, and as an added bonus he’s worked with Holly for decades – they both started working together on television.
“Knowing that Stephen will be there for her could be the comfort blanket Holly needs to say yes.”
The first sighting of Holly, 42, also fueled hopes that she is considering a return to the limelight.
Wearing a bright red jumpsuit, camel coat and heels, she was seen heading to a restaurant after going to the cinema in London with husband Dan Baldwin.
Holly has kept a low profile since the alleged plot to kidnap and kill her was revealed in October, when she left This Morning and put her other TV projects on hold.
Stephen was favored for the DOI co-host role previously held by Phillip Schofield, 61, until the veteran presenter left ITV earlier this year when his affair with a young runner was exposed.
The source added: “Holly’s situation remains up in the air and producers are now counting down to the start in days, not weeks.
“They’re looking at every avenue to try to get him over the line, but they also have a ‘plan B’ list of a few people who could fill her spot.”
Earlier this week, The Sun revealed that I’m A Celebrity star Josie Gibson, 38, as well as This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes, 34, and Christine Lampard, 44, who has hosted Dancing On Ice with Phil since 2012, are favorites … until 2014.
Stephen replaced Phillip – alongside Holly – in February 2022 when Schofield was struck down by Covid.
Together they presented Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown on CITV in the early Noughties.
Speaking to The Sun in November, Stephen said: “You know what, we’re talking about Dancing On Ice, 100 per cent, but nothing is confirmed.
“I would be crazy not to.
“That’s the thing, isn’t it…. Obviously I still know some of the team and Holly is a dream partner to work with.”
The new role caps a triumphant year for Mulhern, after his reboot of the iconic quiz show Deal or No Deal for ITV was a hit with critics and viewers.
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Holly pictured today for the first time since leaving This MorningCredit: Goff
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