After nearly two decades on television screens, Dancing on Ice faces an uncertain future as ITV considers the show's potential cancellation following years of declining viewership. Originally premiering in 2006 and taken off air for four years until its reboot in 2018, the show has garnered a loyal fanbase but may soon experience the final curtain call.
According to reports from The Mirror, insiders suggest strong likelihood the series, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, could be axed after its upcoming finale on Sunday, March 9, 2025. This consideration arises amid diminishing ratings, with figures showing the show has lost over one million viewers since 2023.
The show's troubles come on the heels of the emotional retirement of legendary judges and Olympic gold medallists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who have been integral to the show since its inception. Earlier this year, Dean stated, "This will be our last live skate — here on 'Dancing on Ice'. We're doing our last tour this year as well, so once we’ve finished our last skate on tour, we won’t be performing again." Meanwhile, Torvill remarked on their contribution, expressing, "'Dancing on Ice' feels like our baby because we were approached by ITV in the early days and we came up with this format together. We didn’t know much about TV, but they didn’t know how skating works, so together, the programme developed and it’s great we were there from the beginning."
The looming fate of the show is also underscored by its ratings. The 2025 launch episode garnered just 2.9 million viewers, matching the record low from the previous year when viewership dipped to similarly alarming figures. With the 2023 series attracting over 4 million viewers during its opening episode, the continued decline raises questions about the show's viability. An ITV spokesperson commented on the current situation, stating, "The Dancing on Ice team is fully concentrating on the much-anticipated series finale this coming Sunday, and no decision has been made."
Despite its loyal following and nostalgic appeal, the production team faces mounting pressure to justify the show's costly operations. Each season features 12 celebrity contestants who command considerable fees for their training and appearances, not to mention the hefty payments made for hosts and judges. According to industry insiders, the production costs might only be sustainable with higher viewership, creating uncertainty about Dancing on Ice's future.
Over the years, Dancing on Ice has produced its fair share of injuries among contestants, with professionals and celebrities alike often facing risks associated with the demanding routines. This season alone has seen injuries push out several participants, including pro skater Eric Radford, who partnered with EastEnders actor Charlie Brooks, and Vanessa Bauer. Comedian Josh Jones was also forced to withdraw due to injury. The concerns surrounding safety also add to discussions about the show's practicality moving forward.
Speaking of the contestants, Mollie Pearce was quoted saying her experience on the show was "incredible," noting the personal growth she found through the ice-skate competition. Pearce, who had undergone surgery for a stoma bag at the age of 18, found her time on the show rewarding as she celebrates the resilience of the human body through her performance.
While fans hold their breath for the conclusion of this season, the full impact of ratings and recent changes may eclipse the show's successful run, making the final episode all the more poignant. Michaela Strachan and other contestants remain hopeful for victory this Sunday — Strachan being the last female contestant standing and likely to make history as the first female winner since gymnast Beth Tweddle took the crown back in 2013.
The impending finale will not only mark the end of the current series but could also usher Toriil and Dean's departure from the competitive ice scene once and for all. Their final tour, "Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance," will take place beginning April 12, 2025, at the OVO Arena Wembley, continuing to draw on their storied legacy.
Whether or not Dancing on Ice has another series lined up is still uncertain, but one thing is for sure — the legacy of joy, competition, and icy charm they have brought to their fans over the past 20 years will leave behind fond memories.