Stephen Mulhern is hosting Dancing On Ice this series alongside Holly Willoughby, and viewers have already delivered their verdict.
On Sunday night (January 14), the ITV skating show made its return. Holly also made her return to TV after last being seen on screen in October last year.
Stephen has taken over the role of co-host from Phillip Schofield, who left ITV last May. And it seems he’s already won over the majority of viewers. Of course he is!
Stephen Mulhern on Dancing On Ice
First reflecting on Stephen was body language expert Darren Stanton. Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie, Darren said: “Holly still has a bit of reticence in the way she comes over the camera and interacts with people. I think she is still a little preoccupied with her public perception.
“Apart from a few weeks back on This Morning this is her first proper presenting job. Holly and Stephen came across really well, but by no means do they have anywhere near the same level of rapport that Holly and Phil have – they were the magic couple of presenting.
“The only other people on par were Ant and Dec. From a body language point of view, they were very interactive. Stephen is a lot more animated, laughing and joking. Holly was laughing but she is still finding her footing again because she has been off for so long. They do make a great team but I think it will take a while for people to get the duo of Holly and Phil off their minds.”
He added: “Holly and Phil had worked together for 20 years, the amount of connection and rapport that they developed had reached an almost telepathic connection.
“They used to finish each other’s sentences, and laugh at each other’s jokes. At their pinnacle, no other presenting team was better than them. But with Stephen, he is such a great performer and presenter, I think the two of them do have a good dynamic.”
Opening the show on Sunday, Holly and Stephen walked out of the tunnel holding hands. Holly said: “Hello! Thank you everybody, we are off. Welcome to the greatest show on ice.”
She then introduced Stephen, adding: “Can we just say a huge welcome to Stephen Mulhern everybody!”
I think Stephen is a breath of fresh air for the show.
And a huge welcome is exactly what Stephen got over on X – formerly known as Twitter.
Many fans insisted he’s a “breath of fresh air” on the programme. One person said: “We like Stephen Mulhern. Nice to have someone on the show that brings a smile to our face.”
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Another commented: “I think Stephen is a breath of fresh air for the show, and I think it’s clear to see Stephen and Holly have a good working bond.”
Someone else tweeted: “I’m so happy Stephen is FINALLY getting his time on a primetime TV show and not just as a side piece but as a main role. Great seeing him back with Holly as well – takes me back to my youth.”
However, some people had one plea to Stephen. One person said: “Stephen is doing a great job… just needs to stop shouting…”
Another wrote: “Stephen needs to breathe, calm down and stop shouting. Putting it down to first night nerves and fingers crossed he settles in.”
Someone else added: “Watching #DancingOnIce and god is Mulhern overdoing it. Shut up Stephen! Let Holly speak.”
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