The future of ITV's beloved reality show, Dancing On Ice, hangs in the balance as the set is dismantled and put into long-term storage, sparking rumors of the show's potential cancellation. Behind the scenes, morale reportedly is low, with many staff members referring to this action as the "final nail in the coffin." A source close to the production disclosed, “The staff have been told that the set is going into long-term storage and everyone thinks this is the final nail in the coffin. Nobody’s heard anything about the show next year, and casting for the show usually starts next month, with the cast confirmed in June.”
Despite the uncertainty, ITV has yet to make any formal announcement regarding the future of the show. An ITV spokesperson stated, "The Dancing On Ice team has been fully concentrating on the recent 2025 series; therefore, no decision has been made yet about any forthcoming return." Recently, the show has faced declining viewing figures, leading to more speculation about its viability.
Earlier this year, iconic judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean revealed that the last series would feature their final performances on the show. As a cherry on top, they also announced a farewell arena tour, further making fans wonder about the future of the series without its signature judges. Additionally, well-known professional skaters Brendyn Hatfield and Mark Hanretty have stated they will not return to the ice for another series, contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the franchise.
Adding to the mystery, host Holly Willoughby hinted at a break during the show’s finale by opting for the phrase, "see you next time" instead of the traditional "next year." This choice of words did not go unnoticed and fueled rumors of a lengthy hiatus or cancellation.
In another twist, costumes from nearly two decades of the show's history have begun to appear on eBay, with notable items like Corrie star Andy Whyment's vibrant 1980s bomber jacket and Ferne McCann's studded leather jacket—both starting bids at just £10. The auction brings to light the changing tides for a show that once thrived on celebrity participation and popularity.
Originally airing from 2006 until its cancellation in 2014, Dancing On Ice enjoyed a successful revival in 2018, re-establishing itself as a key fixture in ITV's programming lineup. However, viewers have noted that the format appears to have grown tired, and as of now, recent ratings are considerably lower than the glory days, despite nearly three million tuning in for the launch show.
A source from Dancing On Ice recently commented, “The staffers on Dancing On Ice are saying the show is over and claim they’ve been told as much. It’s a mainstay of ITV’s schedule, and viewing figures are remarkably less than they were, but they still had almost three million watch the launch show. There’s no denying, though, that the format has become tired, and they’re not getting the big names they once did. Changes are needed, and it’s likely it’ll be rested and given a new lease of life.”
As the speculation grows, fans of Dancing On Ice are left pondering what the future holds for their favorite show. Will ITV take a step back to rejuvenate the franchise or will it mark the end of an era? Only time will tell.
