Holly Willoughby was visibly emotional as Dancing On Ice concluded its latest series, amid mounting speculation that the beloved ITV show could be facing its final curtain call. 

The 44-year-old presenter, who has been a staple of the show for years, opened up about the emotional weight of the situation just minutes into the series finale, 

with rumors circulating that this could be the last episode of the long-running skating competition.

The latest series, which began in January, wrapped up with Holly co-hosting the final alongside Stephen Mulhern. 

As the episode kicked off, the two presenters shared a reflective moment, looking back on the incredible journey of the series before the finalists—

Anton Ferdinand, Michaela Strachan, and Sam Aston—took to the ice for a group performance. 

The performance, set to Sigma and Morgan’s hit song Adrenaline Rush, also featured the show’s professional skaters.

As the audience watched the heart-pumping routine, the mood in the studio shifted towards anticipation for the evening’s finale. Holly, visibly excited, couldn’t help but express her emotions: “It’s so exciting in here, I can’t tell you,” she said. However, it wasn’t long before Holly’s emotions started to show, as she was moved by the sentiments of the night. After Stephen teased that the episode would be emotional, Holly responded with a heartfelt acknowledgment, saying, “I know… don’t!” Stephen humorously pointed out, “You’re getting emotional already,” to which Holly laughed and explained that the opening scenes of the show had already gotten to her. “That set me off just now,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Throughout the evening, Holly’s style was also a talking point, with many viewers commenting on her stunning finale outfit. Holly shared a photo of herself wearing a glittering gown on Instagram, featuring a silver sparkly bodice that cascaded into a white flowing skirt. Fans were quick to praise her look, with one commenting, “Gorgeous dress, Holly,” while others called her “stunning” and “so pretty.”

However, the emotional atmosphere surrounding the night wasn’t just due to the excitement of the final performances—it was also fueled by growing uncertainty about the future of Dancing On Ice. After nearly two decades of success, the show has started to see a sharp decline in viewership. The 2023 launch episode drew 4.1 million viewers, but recent episodes have struggled to reach even 3 million, according to official ratings. ITV insiders have voiced concerns that the show’s ratings drop could signal the end of the skating competition.

There are fears that the show’s declining audience may not justify the hefty production costs required to keep Dancing On Ice on the air. Sources close to the network have pointed out that the show, despite its loyal fanbase, has seen a steady decline in viewership, with some insiders suggesting that the current season’s finale could very well mark the end of the line for the show. “We need bums on seats, but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost,” one insider explained. “It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years, but the sad truth is there just aren’t enough viewers anymore.”

The current series has seen many notable contestants, including EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, The Traitors finalist Mollie Pearce, and Love Island’s Chris Taylor, all of whom were eliminated prior to the final. The semi-final saw Only Way Is Essex star Dan Edgar also exit the competition, leaving Anton, Michaela, and Sam to compete for the coveted title of this year’s winner.

As the show’s future hangs in the balance, Holly’s emotional reaction highlights the strong bond she has with Dancing On Ice and its fans. With no clear answer yet on whether the show will return, the tension surrounding the finale added an extra layer of emotion for both the hosts and the contestants.

As ITV weighs its options for the future of Dancing On Ice, Holly Willoughby’s heartfelt moment during the finale reminded fans of the significance the show has had over the years. Whether this is truly the end of the iconic skating competition or just a temporary hiatus, one thing is clear: the show’s impact on both its viewers and its presenters has been lasting.

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