Holly Willoughby’s TV comeback ‘exposed’ – from opening speech to tightened security

Holly Willoughby is set to address fans following her three-month TV break as she prepares to host the 17th series of Dancing on Ice in 2024.

Loyal fans of the mum-of-three will remember how the blonde bombshell decided to step back from hosting This Morning back in October after a man was arrested for alleged plans to kidnap her. Her exit came months after her co-host Phillip Schofield quit the show when he his affair with an ITV colleague hit the headlines.

At the time, fans were concerned that the 42-year-old would never return to the silver screen. But the TV star is set to come back with a bang as she returns to her presenting duties alongside her new co-host Stephen Mulhern.

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Ahead of the new series, ITV bosses have ramped up security measures in addition to showcasing a series of glamorous new gowns for her big return. In her first on-screen appearance since she left the signature blue sofa, Holly will open the show alongside the Deal or No Deal host on January 14.

It is understood that the broadcaster will briefly reference her absence at the start of the opening show. An insider told The Sun : “Holly is really looking forward to putting 2023 behind her and focusing on a fresh, positive start to a new year.

“She is considering a very brief comment at the top of the opening show, along the lines of, ‘It’s good to be back’ or ‘Thanks for your support’, drawing a firm line under her hiatus and marking the beginning of a new optimistic term. She absolutely loves Dancing on Ice and all the joy, glitz and sparkle it brings to viewers, especially in gloomy January, and she is always grateful to be a part of the production.

“She loves the team and has a great rapport with her friend Stephen Mulhern, as well as all the judges on the show. They always have fun and that’s what she is really excited about.

“Holly’s glad to be putting her energy into entertainment again after some time away. She’s a total professional and as always will be putting her heart and soul into the show,” they concluded.

The Sun on Sunday also revealed that Holly will reunite with her long-term stylist Dannii Whiteman, who she exclusively worked with during her 14-year career on the ITV daytime show. Fans can expect to see Holly in a range of eye-catching gowns, and she certainly won’t disappoint in the new year.

Last year, the TV star wore a selection of stunning designer frocks including a £2,320 number by Josephine Scott and a sequinned couture dress by Nedret Taciroglu. The source claimed that the entertainer is expected to dazzle fans once again with her glamorous outfits on the show.

They claimed that her stylist has been “scouting the fashion world for ideas” and revealed that there will be “plenty of sequins, silk and glitz” in store. Dancing on Ice is filmed live at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire and security checks are being carried out on audience members prior to releasing tickets.

The show has a capacity of 500 spectators, but the production company give a handful of VIP seats out to friends and family of the cast and crew. Audience members will need to fill in an online form with their name, address and phone number in advance to complete basic security checks.

Attendants can expect standard checks such as “bag searches on arrival” ahead of the show. The high-profile star will be protected at all times, especially when travelling to and from the studio.

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Bosses are excited for the on-screen reunion between Holly and close pal Stephen Mulhern. In their 20s, the pair fronted ITV children’s show Ministry Of Mayhem which was later named Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.

Fans got a taste of what the duo will be like together when they hosted an episode of Dancing on Ice together in 2022 when Phillip tested positive for Covid-19. ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, said: “Returning them marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”

Stephen later showered his co-host with compliments ahead of his new role when he told The Sun in November: “Holly is a dream partner to work with.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk