Dancing On Ice: Holly Willoughby is back in a plunging gown after sparking backlash for her ‘inappropriate’ 2021 wardrobe… as she leads stars at this year’s glam photocall
Dancing On Ice returns to TV screens on Sunday, with the show’s hosts and judges uniting for a glam photocall launch at Elstree on Wednesday evening.
Host Holly Willoughby led the stars, looking incredible in a racy off-the-shoulder gown. The star’s 2021 launch show dress sparked 341 Ofcom complaints after being criticised as ‘inappropriate’ for a family show.
Joining Holly at the photocall was her co-presenter Phillip Schofield and new judge Oti Mabuse who has joined Christopher Dean, Jayne Torvill and Ashley Banjo on the new-look panel.
Dancing On Ice returns to TV screens on Sunday, with the show’s hosts and judges uniting for a glam photocall launch on Wednesday evening
Holly wowed in her deep red dress, which featured a daringly low sweetheart neckline and a thigh-high split, showing off the star’s golden tan.
The figure-hugging dress flaunted her trim waist, while the glam star accessorised with glittering drop earrings and strappy gold heels.
In 2021 Holly’s DOI wardrobe shocked viewers and led to over 300 Ofcom complaints. Her nude plunging gown from the launch episode kicked off the furore.
Back in the plunge: Host Holly Willoughby led the stars, looking incredible in a racy off-the-shoulder gown. The star’s 2021 launch show dress sparked 341 Ofcom complaints
Lights, camera, action: Holly no doubt has a glam designer wardrobe lined up for this year’s live shows
The £6,240 couture dress by Dany Atrache from his Fall/Winter 2020-2021 collection, sparked criticism for some viewers, with one tweeting at the time: ‘Why does Holly wear that type of dress on a family show?’
Another said: ‘Why doesn’t Holly dress appropriately for being at an ice rink? What a totally inappropriate outfit!’
New judge Oti Mabuse matched Holly in the glamour stakes at Wednesday’s photocall, wowing in a sparkling mini.
They’re back! Joining Holly at the photocall was her co-presenter Phillip Schofield
The Strictly dancer showed off her legs in the thigh-skimming number, while she also debuted a blonde-tinted new hairdo.
Set to compete on the new series of Dancing On Ice are Love Islander Liberty Poole, 21, BMX Olympic silver medalist Kye Whyte, 22, Paul Gascoigne’s son Regan Gascoigne, 25, The Vamps’ Connor Ball, 25, rugby star Ben Foden, 36, and Paralympian Stef Reid, 37.
Other celebrities taking part include presenter Ria Hebden, 38, pop star and actress Kimberly Wyatt, 39, professional dancer Brendan Cole, 45, and Happy Mondays dancer Bez, 57.
Gorgeous: Holly wowed in her deep red dress, which featured a daringly low sweetheart neckline
Stunning: The figure-hugging dress flaunted her trim waist, while the glam star accessorised with glittering drop earrings and strappy gold heels
This year’s celeb contestants will make their debut on the ice on the live launch show this Sunday, with ITV hoping there will be less injuries than last year’s chaotic series.
The 2021 series saw stars Denise Van Outen, Billie Faiers and Jason Donovan all forced to withdraw following injury.
In 2021 contestants were forced to form a ‘bubble’ with their partners due to Covid restrictions and it was filmed without a live audience.
New recruit: New judge Oti Mabuse matched Holly in the glamour stakes at Wednesday’s photocall, wowing in a sparkling mini
Looking fab: The Strictly dancer showed off her legs in the thigh-skimming number, while she also debuted a blonde-tinted new hairdo
Both reserve contestants had to be used for the first time in the show’s history as three celebrities were forced to withdraw and two tested positive for the virus.
Denise, 47, sustained an injury in the second week after she suffered three bone fractures and a partially dislocated shoulder.
Billie, 31, became the second to withdraw from the competition as she sustained a head injury during training, while Australian actor Jason, 53, was also forced to leave due to a back injury, in week 6 of the show.
Making pals: Oti shared a fun moment with fellow judge Ashley Banjo as they took their seats on the judging panel, which featured covid-secure screens between the judges
Suave: Ashley was sharp in a black blazer while host Phil chose a quirky double breasted tan jacket for the photocall
Veterans: Ice skating icons Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean make their return to the judging panel for the 2022 series
The series suffered another blow as comedian Rufus Hound, 42, Joe-Warren Plant, 19 and his professional partner Vanessa Bauer, 25, all contracted Covid-19.
Judges Jayne Torvill, 64, and Christopher Dean, 63, have revealed that the next batch of contestants are ‘well established’ and ‘ready to go’, following last years turmoil.
Chris detailed that the previous season fell victim to Covid protocols and rushed training before confirming that this year they would be more prepared.
Sitting pretty: Oti looked excited to be taking her seat as a judge. The star hit fame thanks to her winning streak as a professional on Strictly Come Dancing
New face: Oti has replaced John Barrowman on the judging panel this year
Experts: Torvill and Dean have been joint head judges on DOI since 2018. They acted as mentors for the contestants in previous series
He said: ‘Last year practice got pushed – squeezed – whereas this year the celebrities have gone through the process of getting introduced to the ice longer.
‘They have a period with a coach, then they have a period with their partners, and so I think they’re pretty well established into what they’re doing now. So from an injury point of view I believe that they’re ready to go.’
The 2021 show was full of difficulties and was forced off the air at one point, causing Phil, 59, and Holly to turn to sipping on G&Ts in the final ad break of the series.
Not long now! Viewers will see the celeb skaters work to impress the judging panel when the show returns on Sunday, live from Elstree
Nice to see you! Oti and Jane shared a moment on either side of their safety screens
Holly recently revealed: ‘Last year because of Covid we weren’t allowed a wrap party so I snuck in two of my kids’ water bottles with their names on.’
She went on: ‘Nobody could see what was inside, and I filled them up with gin and tonics, one for Phil and one for me, and in the last ad break before the end, I was like, “we can bring out the gin now.”‘
‘We both sat there and had a gin and tonic. We don’t do this on every ad break but for the final there was no wrap party and after the last series we all needed it.’
The new series of Dancing on Ice starts this Sunday at 6.30pm on ITV.
Dancing On Ice 2022: Who are the celebrities?
KYE WHYTE
Age: 22
Profession: Olympics BMX rider
Kye says: ‘I’d love to see if I can make the final because I’m very competitive.’
RACHEL STEVENS
Age: 43
Profession: Singer
Rachel says: ‘It now feels really real, this is really happening. I’m so excited, obviously really nervous.’
LIBERTY POOLE
Age: 22
Profession: Love Island star
Liberty says: ‘I ice skate as a hobby sometimes so I can get around the rink but I can’t do any tricks’
STEF REID
Age: 36
Profession: Paralympian
Stef says: ‘I’m going to be a contestant on Dancing on Ice and it’s a little bit scary but I cannot wait!’
REGAN GASCOIGNE
Age: 26
Profession: Singer
Regan says: ‘I love dancing but it’s the skill of this. I’ve always wanted to do it. Always! Ever since I was a kid!’
KIMBERLY WYATT
Age: 39
Profession: Pussycat Dolls singer
Kimberly says: ‘I’m just excited to see what I can do on there. I’m up for a challenge!’
BRENDAN COLE
Age: 45
Profession: Dancer
Brendan says: ‘I’ve known I’d be doing the show for quite some time and I want to get started, I’m so excited to be on the show.’
BEN FODEN
Age: 36
Profession: Rugby player
Ben says: ‘I like the idea of learning a new sport and a new skill. I’m quite competitive as well.’
SALLY DYNEVOR
Age: 58
Profession: Coronation Street actress
Sally says: ‘This is a massive challenge. I’m so scared! I’ve just got to take every opportunity I get.’
BEZ
Age: 57
Profession: Happy Mondays
Bez says: ‘I’m always up for a challenge and am already in training on the ice.’
RIA HEBDEN
Age: 36
Profession: Presenter
Ria says: ‘It will be brilliant to learn a new scary skill.’
CONNOR BALL
Age: 25
Profession: The Vamps bassist
Connor says: ‘I’m excited obviously but I’m really nervous. I’m quite clumsy, accident prone.’
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