Dancing On Ice bosses hired body double for Holly Willoughby as she returns to TV after kidnap plot
DANCING On Ice bosses hired a body double for Holly Willoughby to act as a stand-in ahead of tonight’s live show.
The presenter will appear on screen for the first time in three months to front the prime-time ITV show.
It is her first gig after an alleged plot to kidnap her led her to quit This Morning in October, which she had co-hosted for 14 years with Phillip Schofield.
The Sun on Sunday can reveal that producers on set at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire employed what is professionally known as a stand-in during the week for production run-throughs ahead of yesterday’s dress rehearsal.
A TV source said: “Bosses don’t want to have on-screen talent waiting around in the cold any longer than strictly necessary so they have used a body double for Holly for production run-throughs and to assist with camera angles.
“Crew have commented that she is being treated like a member of royalty or the First Lady of the US.
“Everyone is hoping she feels safe and at ease after going through a distressing time.
“She was mostly housebound for much of her time away, cancelling all work and personal commitments for months.
“At the same time is really excited to come back to a show she adores and get glammed up for fans again.
Holly, 42, will co-host with long-term pal Stephen Mulhern, 46, who takes over from Phillip Schofield.
The pair first bonded in their 20s when they hosted ITV morning children’s shows Ministry Of Mayhem and Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.
The insider added: “She feels really safe to be making her big return with Stephen. He is an old friend who makes her smile.”
Holly has been working with her long-term trusted stylist Dannii Whiteman, who was with the telly presenter exclusively throughout her time at This Morning.
Dannii has picked out some eye-catching gowns for her, including the red £3,200 Vivienne Westwood floor-length dress she wore for last weekend’s promotional snaps.
On Friday, Holly posted “And so it begins” on Instagram alongside a photo of her script for tonight’s show.
One fan said: “We’ve missed you.”
- Dancing On Ice starts tomorrow on ITV1 at 6.30pm.