DANCING On Ice’s Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern have spoken out about the accident-prone series after a number of stars were forced to quit this year.
The ITV skating show has been hit with multiple setbacks after four show stars bowed out due to injuries.
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Dancing On Ice hosts Stephen Mulhern and Holly Willougyby have spoken out about this seriesCredit: Rex
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Stephen and Holly are hosting the ITV show together for the second year runningCredit: Rex
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EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has suffered a setback this weekCredit: Rex
Speaking about the dangers of skating live on TV, Stephen said: “They dance live and on ice, and I don’t think the audience at home understand how dangerous it is.
“You see the skaters and you forget that they have been training for weeks and weeks to get to where they are now.
“As we know, people do pick up some injuries, this is serious stuff.”
Holly, who has hosted the show since its 2006 launch, echoed his thoughts, admitting that the live element makes everything even more unpredictable.
She said: “When you’re live, it’s totally honest, and if it goes wrong, it goes wrong in front of millions.
“But if it goes right, it’s amazing and the audience buzzes off that as well.”
Despite the injuries and early exits, Holly and Stephen are still excited for what’s to come this season.
Holly said: “What I always love, and I’m looking forward to seeing the most, is the progression.
“You get this bunch of celebrities who turn up like Bambi on ice, and are hugging onto the sides, then as the show goes on they get immersed into this skating world.
“They get better. They get more sequins. Their clothes get more spandex-y, and by the end of it, they’re like fully fledged figure skaters!”
Dancing On Ice star eliminated in drama-filled show hours after Vanessa Bauer pulls out with injury
Stephen, who took over as co-host last year, has also backed one star to go all the way.
He said: “I always like to have a prediction as to who’s going to win, and based on the past couple of weeks, I think Michaela has a great chance. I also didn’t realise that Anton would be that good!”
Holly also praised this year’s contestants, saying: “They are all starting from quite a good place and are very committed.
“The first show is the hardest one – it’s a really vulnerable experience, firstly, because you’re on ice, which is just not natural.
“Secondly, because in order to perform, you have to put yourself out there entirely.”
Comedian Josh Jones and professional skater Vanessa Bauer both quit due to injuries this year.
Paralympic legend Dame Sarah Storey, 47, had to withdraw before Christmas after fracturing her ankle.
The Sun exclusively revealed pro skater Eric Radford became the fourth show star to step back.
Speaking about his shock injury, his celebrity partner Charlie Brooks has said: “Eric had an injury in his back and then his quad wasn’t firing properly so he’s having to have an MRI and has been told he has to have this week off the ice, which is so gutting.
But I’ll be skating for Eric this weekend, 100%, I want to do him proud.
“I just hope that this won’t mean me and Eric never dance again.”
Dancing On Ice continues tonight at 6.25pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
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Charlie says she hopes to dance with Eric again after he was forced to pull outCredit: Rex
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