Dancing On Ice returned last Sunday for a brand new series with new co-host Stephen Mulhern – but some viewers were missing Phillip Schofield.
Phil quit ITV last May after admitting to having an affair with a This Morning colleague. He’s been off screen since, and hasn’t been seen out much in public.
On Sunday night (January 14), Dancing On Ice was back as Holly Willoughby made her return to TV after three months away. She was joined by Stephen, who has taken over the co-host role from Phil.
Dancing On Ice viewers want Phillip Schofield back
According to a report, a source claims Phil didn’t watch the show. They reportedly told The Sun: “Phil is still bruised by the whole Holly falling-out and the way it was played out publicly.
“He still can’t bring himself to watch This Morning and even listening to the theme tune is deeply triggering. It would seem unlikely he is avidly tuning in to watch Holly’s return to TV. Phil just wants to move on and live a quiet life away from the spotlight whilst he tries to rebuild.”
A rep for Phil declined to comment when approached by ED!.
As Dancing On Ice aired on Sunday night, some viewers seemed to be missing Phil. One person admitted on X: “I like Stephen but bring back Phil.”
Another wrote: “Bring back Phil ffs. All this nonsense.”
Maybe ITV should have a rethink and give him back his job.
Someone else tweeted: “Hmm not liking Stephen, rather have Phil back tbh.”
“Would like to see Phil Schofield back [on] Dancing On Ice,” another said. “It’s not the same without him. Maybe ITV should have a rethink and give him back his job.”
Another added: “Watching #DancingOnIce and god is Mulhern overdoing it. Shut up Stephen!”
However, there were plenty of viewers who loved Stephen on the show. Some branded him a “breath of fresh air”.
One person said: “Great to see Holly back and the gift that keeps on giving the fantastic Stephen Mulhern. He’s brought more life back into the presenting of this show than ever before.”
Another fan added: “So nice to see Holly and Stephen back together again presenting #DancingOnIce. People are always gonna have their own opinions but personally I like them both, brings back memories of watching MoM as a kid.”
A third wrote: “Enjoyed Stephen Mulhern as a presenter on #DancingOnIce alongside Holly. Brought some fresh energy to the show!”
What has Phil been up to since his TV exit?
Phillip left ITV last May following his affair confession. Since then, he’s been since out on a few occasions including out for dinner with Vanessa Feltz.
He was also seen with his estranged wife Steph.
According to reports, since his TV exit, Phil has been having therapy and also helping Steph with ‘odd jobs’.
Dancing On Ice returns this Sunday (January 21) from 6.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
What did you think of Stephen on Dancing On Ice? Do you want Phil back? You can leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.