Dancing On Ice ‘line up Saturday Night Takeaway star to replace Phillip Schofield’
DANCING On Ice bosses have reportedly lined up a huge Saturday Night Takeaway star to replace Phillip Schofield as host.
The ITV presenter is expected to be “officially announced in days.”
MirrorOnline reports Stephen Mulhern, 46, has been offered the job and has been branded “a perfect choice.”
Back in June, it was revealed Holly Willoughby would return to her presenting role despite her former co-star’s exit.
Earlier this year, Phillip quit This Morning and ITV when it emerged he had lied over the relationship with a runner almost 30 years his junior.
In a statement, he said he was “deeply sorry” for the affair which he said was “unwise, but not illegal”.
Now a source has told the publication: “Stephen is the perfect choice.
“Not only does he get on brilliantly with Holly, he is relaxed and fun which sits well with a show like Dancing on Ice.”
Stephen covered for Phil on the nail-biting ITV series back in February 2022, when Phil was struck down with Covid.
Meanwhile, Jane McDonald, 60, has also been tipped to win the coveted telly job after she impressed as a stand-in host for Phillip at the British Soap Awards, which he had overseen for 16 years.
Additionallyy, a former Dancing On Ice winner has also thrown their hat into the ring.
Ex show champ Jake Quickenden – who won the series in 2018 with his pro partner Vanessa Bauer – has revealed he wants the gig.
When asked who should take over from Phillip, the former X Factor star told The Sun Online: “To be fair, I wouldn’t mind doing it myself.
“I’ll throw my name in the hat. I’ve won it, so I might as well present it.
“I’d give it a go, who knows how I’d feel but yeah if the call came I’d do it.”
The Sun exclusively revealed how bosses on the skating show have approached Jesy Nelson for the next series.
Producers are said to be ‘desperate’ to sign up the former Little Mix star, in a move that could reboot her showbiz career.