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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

ITV Dancing On Ice bosses explain why Phil presenting show alone as fans complain of 'sexism'

Dancing On Ice had a very different look as Phillip Schofield went solo to present the ITV skating contest without Holly Willoughby.

Phillip started the Dancing On Ice semi-finals on Sunday (March 13) by sending his best wishes to his co-host after she tested positive for Covid.

ITV bosses issued a statement on Sunday morning to say Holly would not be on presenting duties after the positive coronavirus test.

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The statement from ITV said: "Unfortunately, Holly Willoughby is unable to host tonight's show after testing positive for Covid-19. We look forward to Holly returning for the Dancing on Ice Live Final."

Last month Phil was replaced by Stephen Mulhern when he was stricken with Covid.

Phillip sent his best wishes to Holly (ITV)

"I know what it's like to watch this show from home," he said into the camera as he addressed his friend.

"It is really weird, get well soon, lots of love."

But viewers took to Twitter to ask why Phil was hosting alone when Holly had a stand-in presenter to work with her.

@ConinaUK questioned: "Hang on. The other week when Phil had to stay away, Stephen Mulhern was brought in to co-host with Holly.

"This week, Holly is the one home sick, and Phil is hosting by himself. The implication that Holly wasn't capable of doing it by herself. Sexism, much @ITV? #DancingOnIce."

@alif_465 said: "I'm going to add my voice to the complaint that Holly couldn't host alone but Phil can?! #DancingOnIce #sexism"

@JessYeoman asked: "Phil gets covid so Stephen Mulhern steps in alongside Holly. Holly gets covid and Phil presents alone?

"Why couldn't Holly present alone then? #DancingOnIce #moderndaysexism."

And @SoapQueen86 wondered: "@dancingonice So why is @Schofe ok to present solo and @hollywills wasn't? Why didn't you draft in another co-presenter?"

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield presenting Dancing On Ice earlier in the series (ITV)

ITV confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that the reason for Phil presenting alone was because it was 'too short notice' to replace Holly.

Phillip explained to viewers during the show opening that they had received the news of his co-host's positive test just hours earlier.

"It's because it was too short notice which wasn't the case when Phillip was unable to host the show," a spokesperson told us.

@BCCD230499 commented: "Phill without Holly is like Ant without Dec… doesn’t feel right #DOI #dancingonice."

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