DANCING On Ice’s set is being dismantled and being put into long-term storage fuelling speculation the show is set to be axed.
We can exclusively reveal morale behind the scenes is low and many associated with the show are calling the move the “final nail in the coffin”.
Dancing On Ice’s future is in doubt after news about the set[/caption]
The last series was won by Sam Aston[/caption]
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have revealed they will be retiring from skating[/caption]
A source said: “The staff have been told that the set is going into long-term storage and everyone thinks this is the final nail in the coffin.
“Nobody’s heard anything about the show next year and casting for the show usually starts next month, with the cast confirmed in June.
“At this stage bosses are normally approaching celebs and auditioning them – but there’s nothing, and with the set being dismantled, this can’t be a good sign.”
A ITV Spokesperson said: “The Dancing On Ice team has been fully concentrating on the recent 2025 series, therefore no decision has been made yet about any forthcoming return.”
A shroud of uncertainty has enveloped the show in recent weeks after it was revealed viewing figures had slumped.
Show panellists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean announced earlier in the year that the last series would mark their final skate on the show ahead of a farewell arena tour.
In addition, long-serving pro skaters like Brendyn Hatfield and Mark Hanretty announced they won’t be returning to the ice.
Host Holly Willoughby even dropped a massive clue the show was being rested when she signed off in the final by saying “see you next time” rather than “next year”.
Adding to the speculation, costumes from across the skating show’s almost two decades on air have been listed for auction on eBay.
Corrie star Andy Whyment‘s statement 1980s pink, yellow and blue bomber jacket is up for grabs with bids starting at £10.
Ferne McCann’s studded leather jacket – which she wore just weeks ago on the ice – is also on sale, again starting at just a tenner.
Other statement pieces off the rack include a silver sequined dress worn by S Club’s Hannah Spearritt and a brand new, unworn male sequined jacket.
Vicky Ogden’s matching two-piece cream jacket and dress has also been listed and a H&M sequined mini dress that was never worn on air.
Dancing On Ice originally ran from 2006 until being axed in 2014 by ITV.
The pro skaters have been left in the dark about the future[/caption]
Stephen Mulhern has replaced Phillip on the show[/caption]
Just four years later it was rebooted and has remained a staple of the schedule ever since.
A DOI source recently 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.”
Hannah Spearritt’s sequined frock is also included in the sale.[/caption]
