Dancing on Ice could be 'axed' after Torvill and Dean decision as insiders predict 'last hurrah'
26.02.2024 - 09:43
/ ok.co.uk
ITV's Dancing on Ice is allegedly facing an 'uncertain future' after skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean announced their retirement.
This comes as the show's ratings continue to drop, with only 2.9 million viewers tuning in on January 28, a far cry from the 12 million during its peak. "Dancing on Ice faces an uncertain future.
The ratings are low for a big weekend show and without Torvill and Dean putting in their performances this could be the end of the road," an insider revealed to The Mirror.
"It is an incredibly expensive show to make. It only works if it gets a big audience." Ice skating champs Jayne and Christopher announced their retirement from skating earlier this month, forty years after winning a gold medal at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Following the 2025 series of Dancing on Ice, the ice skaters, who serve as judges on the show, will embark on their farewell tour which will kick off at the OVO Arena in Wembley on 12 April 2025, and finish in Glasgow at the OVO Hydro a month later on 11 May.
The news will be a big blow for Holly Willoughby, who returned to host the show this year after leaving This Morning. She presents alongside Stephen Mulhern, who replaced Philip Schofield.
Despite retiring from performing, Torvill and Dean plan to stay on as judges. However, insiders say the show's high costs could threaten its future, as many of the celebrity contestants earn six-figure sums.
ITV is faced with a big task, as they have to cough-up some cash not only for hosts Holly and Stephen but also the 12 professional skaters, four judges including Strictly's Oti Mabuse and dance maestro Ashley Banjo.
They're also in charge of keeping the Bovingdon Airfield Studios' ice rink in Hertfordshire in top shape. A
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