ITV bosses are one step closer to finding host to replace Phillip Schofield for Dancing On Ice (DOI). Sources say Jane McDonald has been tipped as the "favourite" to step in for the former presenter.
The cruise singer filled in for the former This Morning host at the British Soap Awards last month and is reported to have done a "great job". The 60-year old could replace Phillip on the DOI screen alongside Holly Willoughby, with sources confirming the 42 year-old has no plans to leave the rink.
As reported by the Mirror, one insider said: “Jane is now the favourite to replace Phillip on Dancing on Ice when it returns next year. She did a great job hosting the Soap Awards earlier this month and bosses are keen to sign her up.
"She had people in stitches – and they love how frank she is, while also being very warm.”
Phillip, 61, left ITV last month after admitting he had lied about an affair with a runner, so the 2023 series of DOI – won by gymnast Nile Wilson and skater Olivia Smart – was his last. Holly’s future at ITV has also been in doubt after we revealed the BBC had launched a bid to poach her.
But sources insist she has no plans to leave DOI. One said: “We are very much expecting Holly to be back. She has not indicated she might step away.” Singer Jane has presented a string of travel shows, been a Loose Women panellist and appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox.
An ITV source said any reports about her were “speculation”, adding the 2024 DOI line-up will not be confirmed “until later in the year”.
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