Holly Willoughby is ‘struggling’ alongside her Dancing On Ice co-host Stephen Mulhern, it has been claimed.
Television presenter Holly, 42, returned to she show earlier this month after quitting This Morning in October last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her.
She previously hosted the show alongside Phillip Schofield but he stepped down from all his presenting appointments after admitting to an affair with a younger This Morning colleague in May last year.
On Holly’s Dancing On Ice return, body language expert Darren Stanton told the Mirror: ‘Stephen Mulhern is a confident professional, he is effortless in his presentation. With Holly, there seems to be an inauthenticity, the smiles she gives Stephen are masking smiles, and they aren’t genuine emotions.
‘She is still on point and professional with her delivery but we aren’t seeing the level of connection that she had with Phil. They were the strongest presenting duo in the country, they were telepathic with each other and we don’t see that with Stephen and Holly.
Holly Willoughby is ‘struggling’ alongside her Dancing On Ice co-host Stephen Mulhern, it has been claimed (pictured on Sunday)
Television presenter Holly, 42, returned to she show earlier this month after quitting This Morning in October last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her (Holly pictured with co-host Stephen Mulhern on Sunday)
‘They are getting on but we don’t see the same spark. A lot of Holly’s smiles and funnier moments seem to be staged, she doesn’t seem as authentic as she was on This Morning where she was known for her outburst of laughter, I think she has lost that effortlessness. Stephen is business as usual and I think without his level of professionalism she would struggle.’
An ITV spokesperson told : ‘Holly and Stephen are a great pairing.’
has contacted a representative for Holly for comment.
Dancing On Ice viewers took to social media to express their opinion on Holly’s return to the show alongside Stephen, with some unimpressed while others were delighted to see her back on screens.
One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Absolutely no chemistry between Holly and Stephen. Very clunky, awkward presenting. Stephen trying too hard. Holly looking like she can’t be arsed. Cringe.’
While someone else shared: ‘Underwhelming. Holly looked dead behind the eyes. Appeared like she didn’t want to be there while Stephen Mulhern was like an excited puppy.’
‘Holly and Stephen are trying too hard. it’s cringe,’ remarked someone else.
While another viewer remarked: ‘Stephen is hilarious & Holly… well she’s there… unfortunately.’
She previously hosted the show alongside Phillip Schofield but he stepped down from all his presenting appointments after an affair with a younger This Morning colleague in May last year (Holly and Phillip pictured in March last year)
Viewers took to social media to express their opinion on Holly’s return to the show alongside Stephen, with some unimpressed while others were delighted to see her back on screens
Someone else posted: ‘I can’t see Stephen Mulhern coming back next series, actually I will be surprised to see him back next week, the partnership between him & Holly just hasn’t worked at all tonight, the judges were on form tonight though, Stephen Mulhern has been awful.’
And another viewer wrote: ‘So lovely to see Holly back on the box. Your beautiful face has been missed. Welcome back. What a great job from Stephen Mulhern. Such a brilliant replacement.’
While someone else wrote: ‘Holly is much better with Stephen Mulhern. She can actually speak for a start.’
‘For the first time in years I’ve actually enjoyed #DancingOnIce! Stephen and Holly work well together and some of the skaters have real potential,’ wrote another show fan.
And someone else posted: ‘Enjoyed Stephen Mulhern as a presenter on #DancingOnIce alongside Holly. Brought some fresh energy to the show!’
‘So nice to see Holly and Stephen back together again presenting #DancingOnIce. People are always gonna have their own opinions but personally I like them both, brings back memories of watching MoM as a kid. Just wish the haters would wheesht,’ wrote another viewer.
While someone else shared: ‘Great to see Holly back and the gift that keeps on giving the fantastic Stephen Mulheron. He’s brought more life back into the presenting of this show than ever before.’
Holly made her hotly-anticipated return to television screens earlier this month during the Dancing On Ice launch show after more than three months off air following an alleged plot to kidnap her.
And according to insiders, the presenter’s triumphant appearance on the skating show was fuelled by a pact to ‘bring back the fun’ with her new co-host Stephen Mulhern from their children’s TV presenting days.
Holly made her hotly-anticipated return to television screens earlier this month during the Dancing On Ice launch show
Her new co-host Stephen was at her side when she got her big break in TV almost 20 years ago and they hosted children’s show Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown together (Holly and Stephen pictured in 2006)
The presenter’s triumphant return was fuelled by a pact to ‘bring back the fun’ with new co-host Stephen from their old presenting days
A source has now told The Sun: ‘Holly thrives on live telly and no more so than in those madcap days splurging slime and reacting to live chaos when she and Stephen first began on Ministry of Mayhem.
‘They’ve talked about finding that same fun tone for Dancing on Ice and Holly sees this as a great way to embrace this big moment.
‘This is incredibly important to her but they both think recapturing the free-and-easy tone of their early days is the way to go. She wants to lean on the strength of their past as she looks to the future.’
The a different insider claimed that Holly and the team prepared for the show by getting together for a chicken roast dinner before the live programme.
Stephen has stepped in to replace Holly’s former co-host Phillip Schofield, who a source suggested wouldn’t be tuning in to the show.
Holly’s return to the limelight comes almost three months after she stepped down from her hosting role on This Morning after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
exclusively revealed last month that Holly would be returning to the show after quitting This Morning.
Taking to Instagram an hour before the ITV skating show aired, Holly confidently wrote alongside her snap: ‘Let’s do this one sequin at a time’.
It comes almost three months after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her
Holly signed a deal over Christmas after weeks of deliberating over whether to present the show, and is said to be ‘excited’ about to getting back to work on the show that she previously hosted with her former friend Phillip.
An ITV insider told : ‘Holly is a star and everyone was so very much hoping that she would decide to come back.
‘After many discussions and a lot of thought, she thought that getting some normality into her life would be a good thing.
‘There are obvious worries about going on live television, her main priority is her family, ITV have been hugely understanding and have not put any pressure on her at all.
‘They wanted to give her all of the time she needed but it has been a rough decision for her. Time was ticking but the bosses were trying to remain calm.’
Dancing On Ice host Holly Willoughby apologised in case she accidentally said a ‘naughty word’ at the start of Sunday’s Dancing On Ice.
After a few celebrities had performed, she said of an interaction with her co-host Stephen Mulhern: ‘A little bit earlier on, Stephen may have made me jump and I think it might have sounded like a naughty word slipped out.
Dancing On Ice host Holly Willoughby apologised in case she accidentally said a ‘naughty word’ at the start of Sunday’s Dancing On Ice
She said of an interaction with her co-host Stephen Mulhern : ‘A little bit earlier on, Stephen may have made me jump and I think it might have sounded like a naughty word slipped out’
‘I don’t think I did but I’m sorry if that’s what you thought you might have heard but I don’t think I did.
‘I’ll watch it back on ITV Player because that’s where you can watch these things back.’
She went on to blame Stephen for the possible mishap, insisting it was his fault for ‘being so naughty’.
Fans of the show took to social media after hearing Holly seemingly turn the air blue.
One person wrote on Twitter: ‘Swear Holly just called Stephen a f**ker.’
While someone else asked: ‘Did Holly just swear on Dancing on Ice?’
Someone else posted: ‘*GASPS* Did Holly just swear when @StephenMulhern shouted Boo to her?’
Another show fan asked: ‘Did Holly just say a naughty word f**ker?’
While someone else questioned: ‘Did Holly just use the f word??’
‘Hang on did I miss Holly swearing,’ queried another viewer at home.
And someone else commented: ‘People saying Holly was swearing but here’s me who didn’t hear a thing.’
Fans of the show took to social media after hearing Holly seemingly turn the air blue
Holly looked sensational as she returned to screens for the latest instalment of Dancing On Ice on Sunday.
The television presenter, 42, put on a busty display as she wore a £1,800 black velvet maxi dress with white bows and cut out detail by Rasario.
Broadcaster Holly’s garment featured a front split which left her legs on show and she wore a pair of black Jimmy Choo heels to complete her look.
Holly took to her Instagram page to share a snap of herself before this weekend’s live Movie Week episode aired.
She captioned her post: ‘Let’s go to the Movies… it’s movie week on @dancingonice… You are in for a treat! See you soon. Dress by @rasario, shoes by @jimmychoo, jewellery by @susannahlovisjewellers.’
It comes after it was reported Holly is being eyed-up for presenting roles in the US after making her way back on to UK screens.
The TV host quit her regular job on This Morning last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her but she returned to the airwaves this month on Dancing On Ice.
It is now claimed she could head over to America for work, with the star hopeful it will also boost her lifestyle brand.
Holly Willoughby looked sensational in a £1,800 black velvet maxi dress as she returned to screens for the latest instalment of Dancing On Ice on Sunday
The television presenter, 42, put on a busty display as she wore a £1,800 black velvet maxi dress with white bows and cut out detail by Rasario
Broadcaster Holly’s garment featured a front split which left her legs on show and she wore a pair of black Jimmy Choo heels to complete her look (Holly pictured with co-host Stephen Mulhern)
An insider told The Sun: ‘Holly’s a free agent and for the first time in years she’s free to be courted by these huge streaming platforms.
‘A number of US networks and production companies have been interested in her for a while and she’s caught the attention of some major brands.
‘She has true star pulling power and as well as being glamorous she is a polished professional in front of the camera. It’s an exciting time in her career.’
It is claimed Holly is hoping to use any boost of exposure in the United States to push her lifestyle brand Wylde Moon, which has been compared to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop.
The source added: ‘Holly has made it no secret that she is following the Gwyneth Paltrow brand model. Launching herself Stateside could make those dreams a reality.’
has contacted a representative for Holly for comment.
It comes after it was reported Holly is in the running to host a new jungle-based show with Bear Grylls for Netflix.
It is claimed Holly has been approached about fronting the series which will see celebrity contestants pitted against survival expert Bear.
Holly took to her Instagram page to share some words before this weekend’s live Movie Week episode aired
She wrote: ‘Let’s go to the Movie. it’s movie week on @dancingonice. You are in for a treat! See you soon. Dress by @rasario, shoes by @jimmychoo, jewellery by @susannahlovisjewellers’
Holly is reportedly being eyed-up for presenting roles in the US after making her way back on to UK screens
The TV host, 42, quit her regular job on This Morning last year amid a plot to kidnap and murder her but she returned to the airwaves this month on Dancing On Ice
A source told The Sun: ‘A group of celebrities will be put into a jungle where they will have to tackle a series of challenges.
‘If they lose, they’ll have to pit their wits against Bear, who will be hunting them down.
‘It’s a really exciting concept and Bear is totally on board. Now they have Holly in their sights to host it.’
The insider added that Holly is open to offers but will be ‘carefully cherry-picking’ her next projects after stepping down from This Morning in October last year and returning to Dancing On Ice earlier this month.
Holly recently shared an inspirational post about not letting ‘fear rule you’ after making her TV comeback on Dancing On Ice earlier this month.
It comes after it was reported Holly is in the running to host a new jungle-based show with Bear Grylls (pictured) for Netflix
She had been absent from screens for nearly three months before returning to co-host the ITV skating competition alongside Stephen Mulhern.
Her return comes after Holly had a break from TV after quitting This Morning in October after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
Taking to Instagram, Holly’s lifestyle brand Wylde Moon shared an post about standing strong when faced with our fears and loving yourself.
Posting a picture of a full moon, it read: ‘What the Full ‘Wolf Moon in fierce Leo tells us is not to let fear or rejection rule decisions.
‘She encourages you to remember who you truly are to love yourself and to channel that love back out into the world, for now is the time to be unapologetically you.’
It finished: ‘Embrace. Supercharge. Radiate.’
Alongside the image, Holly’s lifestyle brand wrote: ‘It’s time to welcome the first Full Moon of the year.
‘When the Wolf Moon meets Leo’s vibrant energy, it brings a surge of passion and self-expression.’
Holly Willoughby, 42, has shared an inspirational post about not letting ‘fear rule you’ and ‘loving yourself’ after making her TV comeback on Dancing On Ice following an alleged kidnap plot
Before her return to Dancing On Ice alongside her new co-host Stephen, who has replaced Phillip Schofield, Holly had been absent from screens ever since she left This Morning in October after 14 years on the sofa.
She quit the show after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her emerged, which followed Phillip Schofield leaving ITV after his affair with a younger show runner came to light.
Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host. The security guard will remain behind bars after being denied bail.
During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Gavin Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, was refused a bail application. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year.
Alongside the image, Holly’s lifestyle brand wrote: ‘It’s time to welcome the first Full Moon of the year
DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 CONTESTANTS
RICKY HATTON
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: Former pro boxer
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘If I can hold my nerve in the boxing ring I should be able to hold my nerve in the ice rink’
HANNAH SPEARRITT
AGE: 42
PROFESSION: SINGER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m really excited about learning a new skill. It’s so easy to live your comfortable life and that aspect of mixing things up is very appealing’
GREG RUTHERFORD
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Athlete
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I like a challenge and I needed a reason to go out and do stuff again and here we are. I want to perform something that’s never been done before, that’s my aim.’
Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards
AGE: 59
PROFESSION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Dancing on Ice is a show I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a challenge I think I’m going to relish!’
RICKY NORWOOD
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: EastEnders star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘It’s come at such a great time in life. I can’t skate at all! No rehearsals as yet, I’ve just had some physiotherapy to strengthen the body.’
RYAN THOMAS
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Corrie star
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘Everyone keeps asking me, “are you doing it?” I’ve told everyone!’
CLAIRE SWEENEY
AGE: 52
PROFESSION: ACTRESS
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I am stepping into the unknown here. I don’t know how I will feel. But I am very excited.’
AMBER DAVIES
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: WEST END STAR
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I would definitely say that I’m an adrenaline junkie but I do get more nervous as I get older and I hope that I can contain them’
MILES NAZAIRE
AGE: 27
PROFESSION: REALITY STAR
WHAT DID HE SAY? ‘I’ve always loved to dance but it’s usually on a dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult.’
LOU SANDERS
AGE: 37
PROFESSION: COMEDIAN
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I’m nervous about cracking my head open, or just bashing the old head. I can’t afford to lose any more brain cells.’
ADELE ROBERTS
AGE: 44
PROFESSION: RADIO PRESENTER
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘It’s ”bricking it on ice” for me! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there as I usually hide away’
ROXY SHAHIDI
AGE: 40
PROFESSION: Emmerdale star
WHAT DID SHE SAY? ‘I can’t ice-skate. I haven’t really said anything to anyone but mainly because I’m so nervous about it!’