Dancing On Ice saw its lowest viewing figures ever when presenter Holly Willoughby made her TV comeback.
The Sunday night show, which saw stars including Amber Davies and Ricky Hatton take to the ice, had a viewing figure of just 3.6 million at launch.
For comparison, the launch was watched by 4.1 million people in 2023 and 4.3 million in 2022. The 2021 opening show had 5.4 million viewers, while in 2020 it was 5.1 million.
It marked a return to television for 42-year-old Holly, who has been absent from screens since leaving This Morning in October after 14 years on the bench.
The program also reunited the TV star with Stephen Mulhern, who has replaced Phillip Schofield as the skating show’s host.
Dancing On Ice saw its lowest viewing figures ever when presenter Holly Willoughby made her TV comeback
It marked a return to television for 42-year-old Holly, who co-presented with Stephen Mulhern following Phillip Schofield’s departure from the show.
She previously worked with Stephen on Saturday morning children’s show Ministry Of Mayhem twenty years ago.
The show was later retitled Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.
Stephen, 46, briefly presented the show in 2022 after Phillip tested positive for Covid-19.
Ahead of the show, Holly posted on Instagram: “Let’s do this one sequin at a time.”
On Sunday, the series kicked off with an opening performance by the professional skaters and the introduction of the new celebrity participants.
Holly, who wore a glittery silver dress, said: “To the greatest show on the ice, and let’s hear it for the amazing cast of 2024. Let me extend a warm welcome to Stephen Mulhern.”
The episode saw Ricky placed in next week’s skate-off after a boxing-inspired performance failed to excite the judges or the TV audience.
The 45-year-old former world champion boxer received 12.5 points from the jury and could face elimination next week after a public vote.
For comparison, the launch was watched by 4.1 million people in 2023 and 4.3 million in 2022. The 2021 opening show was watched by 5.4 million people, while in 2020 it was 5.1 million.
On Sunday, the series kicked off with an opening performance by the professional skaters and the introduction of the new celebrity participants
Holly, who wore a glittery silver dress, said: “To the greatest show on the ice, and let’s hear it for the amazing cast of 2024. Let me extend a warm welcome to Stephen Mulhern.”
Ricky, dressed in a boxing outfit, wore knee pads as he did mini punches and press-ups on the ice to Bill Conti’s Rocky movie theme Gonna Fly Now with his professional skating partner Robin Johnstone.
Judge Ashley Banjo called the routine “iconic” and Hatton could be proud of the crowd’s reaction.
Topping the judges’ leaderboard was former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, who scored 26.5 points with partner Amani Fancy.
His energetic performance to Kings Of Leon’s Sex On Fire, featuring a pirouette movement, was called ‘absolutely brilliant’ by judge Oti Mabuse.
Love Island winner and West End star Davies, Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi, Olympian Greg Rutherford and S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt also performed at the launch show.
Next week, radio presenter Adele Roberts, EastEnders star Ricky Norwood, actress Claire Sweeney, reality TV personality Miles Nazaire, comedian and writer Lou Sanders, and former ski jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards will compete against each other for the first time.
She previously worked with Stephen on Saturday morning children’s show Ministry Of Mayhem twenty years ago