FURIOUS Dancing on Ice viewers have insisted the show should be scrapped and have branded it “sexist” as no women have won the show since its reboot in 2018.
The ITV programme, which The Sun revealed is on the verge of being cancelled thanks to dwindling ratings, has come under fire from viewers at home after Springwatch star Michaela Strachan missed out on being crowned the champion despite being favourite to win.
Dancing On Ice fans want the show axed after Michaela Strachan became the 8th woman to miss out[/caption]
Throughout the series, it had increasingly looked like Michaela would finally break the show’s cycle and be crowned the first female winner in 12 years.
However, Coronation Street star Sam Aston eventually picked up the trophy in a huge blow to the TV presenter.
It has led fans to insist that the show should be axed for good over its lack of diversity in its winners.
Recent years have seen all-male champions including actor Ryan Thomas, radio star Sonny Jay, Olympian Nile Wilson and TV star Joe Swash.
Fuming at the show, one fan tweeted a collection of images of the past winner alongside the sarcastic caption: “I’m so glad Dancing on Ice has had such a diverse and unique set of winners since the reboot.”
Another then added: “Another year of dancing on ice being incredibly sexist.”
A third penned: “Also ROBBED, appalled at Dancing On Ice! No female winner since 2013 and a winner who didnt do a single lift… hope thats the end of Dancing on Ice… shocking!”
The last woman to win the contest was gymnast Beth Tweddle who was crowned champion in 2013.
Prior to that, only THREE other women have ever been crowned the winner in the programme’s 19-year history.
Emmerdale star Gaynor Faye won the first ever series back in 2006 whilst singer Suzanne Shaw picked up the trophy in 2008.
Soap actress Hayley Tammadon won in 2010 before Beth became the final female winner three years later.
Last night, The Sun told how staffers on the show were being told the programme was “over” with ITV expected to cancel the show in just days after its least watched final ever.
Insiders say bosses will make a decision this week about the future of the ITV mainstay, which is fronted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.
A source said: “The staffers on Dancing On Ice are saying the show is over and claim they’ve been told as much.
“It’s a mainstay of ITV’s schedule and viewing figures are remarkably less than they were but they still had almost three million watch the launch show.
“There’s no denying, though, that the format has become tired and they’re not getting the big names they once did.
“Changes are needed and it’s likely it’ll be rested and given a new lease of life.”
The source added: “The show’s future hinges on the meetings that follow last night’s finale.
“Dancing On Ice is an expensive production and there are questions over whether ITV is getting bang for its buck.”
Dancing On Ice 2025 pairings
Here’s the 12 celebs lined up to take part in 2025 – along with their professional partner.
Michaela Strachan and Mark Hanretty
Anton Ferdinand and Annette Dytrt
Here’s who has left the show so far:
Mollie Pearce and Colin Grafton – couple were sixth to be booted off
Charlie Brooks and Eric Radford – EastEnders star loses out in the skate-off
Chris Taylor and Robin Johnstone – after Robin replaced injured pro Vanessa Bauer, the couple were the first to be eliminated after the return of the skate-off
Sir Steve Redgrave and Vicky Ogden – third to be voted off
Ferne McCann and Brendyn Hatfield – second pairing to be voted off
Josh Jones and Tippy Packard – quits show after injury during rehearsals
Chelsee Healey and Andy Buchanan – first to be eliminated
Sarah Storey revealed she had quit on December 6, 2024. The Paralympian was partnered with Sylvain Longchambon.
