ITV is reportedly considering the fate of one of its flagship shows, Dancing On Ice, amid dwindling ratings after nearly two decades on air. The first episode of the current season attracted just 2.9 million viewers, marking a notable decline from last year’s 3.6 million. This downturn has sparked fears within ITV, as insiders suggest the beloved program might have ‘reached the end of the road.’
The significant viewership plunge has raised concerns over the show’s financial viability. Hosting fees for presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, alongside costs incurred by the twelve celebrity contestants—who are said to command six-figure salaries—have been cited as challenging to justify if the audience continues to decline. A source reportedly told The Mirror: “There are very real fears this is the end of the road for Dancing On Ice. It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years and has a very loyal set of viewers who really love it, but the sad truth is there’s just not enough of them. We need bums on seats, but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost.”
Despite the speculations surrounding the show’s longevity, ITV has not made any definitive decisions, as confirmed by a spokesperson who stated, “The Dancing On Ice team is fully concentrating on the much anticipated series finale this coming Sunday and, accordingly, no decision has been made.” The current spotlight remains on the competitive finale, set for March 9, 2025, where wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan is considered the favorite to win, going head-to-head against fellow contestants Anton Ferdinand and Sam Aston.
Strachan shined during her recent performances, earning praise and high scores from judges, and she’s the last female contestant competing this season. Notably, prior eliminations left many fans surprised, with critics highlighting the axing of popular contestants like former Love Island star Chris Taylor as among the most controversial results of the season.
Adding to the drama, controversy recently erupted when judge Christopher Dean accidentally swore live during the competition. His slip came right after Sam Aston's impressive dance, which earned high marks from all three other judges. Dean commented, “Oh f***ing heck, I forgot to put [that] in,” expressing his excitement before quickly apologizing for the mishap. Viewer reactions flooded social media, questioning if Dean had really dropped the F-bomb.
With Torvill and Dean officially stepping away from their roles after completing their final tour, Chris Dean expressed bittersweet sentiments. He remarked to The Sun, “We’ve been doing it a long time... so we’re just happy we can still do it,” emphasizing the years of history the pair share with the show.
This emotional final performance symbolizes the end of yet another era within the long-running series. Their farewell is deeply felt among viewers who have cherished their routines since the couple captured hearts during their iconic Bolero routine at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Although the format of Dancing On Ice has evolved over the years, the show has struggled to maintain its audience, particularly with numbers dwindling from peaks of around 12 million viewers at its height. Ratings trends show the show scored its smallest live audience of all time last year at just 2.9 million, carrying forward this troubling reality.
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming finale, with fans hoping it delivers the excitement and entertainment Dancing On Ice became known for. If ITV elects to part ways with the series, it won’t be the end of the road for hosts Willoughby and Mulhern, as they’re set to revive the iconic game show You Bet! later this year, signaling another chapter for the duo.
The final curtain may soon fall on Dancing On Ice, but its legacy over the past two decades remains strong, filled with memorable performances and cherished moments. Only time will tell if the show will receive the chance to skate one more season, or if it will rest on the ice for good.