DANCING on Ice bosses are in a panic because Holly Willoughby has yet to sign up to host the next series.
The presenter, who quit This Morning last month, is said to be hesitant about stepping back into the limelight for the ITV1 skating contest when it returns in January.
The show has already had several celebs confirming they will take part — but it is officially without any presenters as Holly’s co-host, Phillip Schofield, 61, quit TV earlier this year.
An insider said: “In many ways the producers of Dancing on Ice are in limbo until they can resolve the issue of who’ll be steering the ship when the show returns.
“Although it usually doesn’t start until mid-January, bosses still now find themselves working on a timescale measured in weeks, not months.
“It’s a very precarious position to be in when they have all the crew and a group of celebrities already working towards the first show, but nobody nailed on to present it.”
A terrified Holly, 42, confirmed she was leaving This Morning last month after a man was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
She said: “I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”
The mum of three has since kept a low profile and has yet to confirm her intentions on her other work with ITV.
Phillip announced in May he was leaving This Morning and Dancing on Ice, following revelations he had an affair with a much younger TV runner.
Holly and Phillip co-hosted Dancing on Ice since it launched in 2006 up to 2011.
Christine Lampard then took over for three series, before the show was rested in 2014.
It was then revived by ITV in 2018, reuniting Holly and Phillip, and the pair co-hosted the Sunday night favourite up to this year.
Phillip’s departure sparked rumours as to who would replace him, with Stephen Mulhern, 46, a favourite as he successfully stood in for him previously.
Some celebrities have already signed up for the new series, and are rehearsing on the rink, including Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas, 39, who is partnered with show newcomer Amani Fancy, and former boxing champ Ricky Hatton, 45.
Others taking part include ex-ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, 59, DJ Adele Roberts, 44, EastEnders actor Ricky Norwood, 40, and Olympic gold medallist long-jumper Greg Rutherford, 36.
A spokesman for ITV said last night: “Further announcements regarding Dancing on Ice will be made in due course.”
