Dancing On Ice producers are said to be pulling out all the stops to entice Holly Willoughby out of her TV hiatus.
Reports claim that the former This Morning host, 42, has been offered a lucrative deal to co-host the ice skating show alongside her close friend Stephen Mulhern. The confirmation of Stephen role as the presenter was recently announced, but it will not be a solo gig.
Holly, who stepped away from her hosting duties in October following an alleged kidnap plot against her, has been a prime target for ITV commissioners, who are eager to bring her back to television. It's claimed bosses have engaged in weeks of negotiations to ensure her comfort and security as she contemplates her return to work.
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It's also believed the network is sweetening the pot with an increased salary, hoping to get Holly back into the spotlight after the traumatic experience she endured. This move comes as Holly took the step to "pause" her £1 million deal with Marks & Spencer, still grappling with feelings of insecurity regarding her safety.
"Dancing On Ice will be presented by Stephen Mulhern and a co-host, but Holly is yet to formally agree," revealed a TV source to MailOnline. “Bosses hope that they can convince her to come back to work in the New Year because they feel that the relationship between her and Stephen is exactly what the series needs.
“The situation is extremely sensitive due to everything that Holly has gone through in recent months and the channel is being careful not to put pressure on her decision, although they're hoping that renegotiating her contract will help to close the deal. Time is running out now given photoshoots need to happen plus it won't be long until the show needs to start promoting the new series.”
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In October, Stephen Mulhern confirmed his discussions about replacing Phillip Schofield, who was dismissed from all his ITV commitments after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague at This Morning. ITV initially had high hopes for Stephen and Holly to co-present the revived Dancing On Ice, which is set to return in January with a fresh roster of celebrity contestants.
Since Holly’s decision to step down from This Morning, she has maintained a low profile, abstaining from red carpet events and social media postings. Her hiatus has also prompted her to pause and her lucrative deal with beauty brand L'Oréal.
Daily Star has contacted ITV for comment.
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