SKATE OFF?
Ice show could end after Torvill & Dean give up performing
EXCLUSIVE JAYNE Torvill and Christopher Dean’s decision to hang up their skates could be the beginning of the end for Dancing on Ice as the ratings continue to tumble.
The pair marked the 40th anniversary of their stunning win at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo by announcing their retirement from performing together.
It came as the ITV series got its smallest ever audience, with just 2.9 million watching the celebrity skaters on January 28.
It is well below the 12 million who tuned in during the show’s heyday and will come as a big blow to long-term presenter Holly Willoughby, who returned this year after quitting This Morning. She hosts alongside ITV favourite Stephen Mulhern, drafted in as a replacement for Phillip Schofield after he quit the channel. It is her only TV presenting role. Torvill and Dean said they would bow out with a UK tour next year. They stressed their intention to remain on the Dancing on Ice judging panel but they will quit their skating performances.
Insiders said next year’s series could be billed as the skate legends “one last hurrah”.
A source said: “Dancing on Ice faces an uncertain future. The ratings are low for a big weekend show and without Torvill and Dean putting in their performances this could be the end of the road.”
The show also faces financial pressure as many of the 12 celebrity contestants earn six-figure sums.
ITV also has to pay Holly and Stephen, the 12 professional skaters and four judges – who include Strictly star Oti Mabuse and fellow dance expert Ashley Banjo.
It also has to maintain the ice rink at Bovingdon Airfield Studios in Hertfordshire.
An insider said: “It is an incredibly expensive show to make.
“It only works if it gets a big audience.”
A show spokesman said yesterday: “Dancing on Ice remains a popular format for us, having launched with 4.2 million viewers.”
Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards and Vicky Ogden were eliminated last night after a skate-off with Amber Davies and Simon Senecal, with judge Christopher voting them off.
The ratings are low for a big show.. This could be the end of the road DANCING ON ICE INSIDER ON VIEWING FIGURE SLUMP