Josie Gibson ‘is the frontrunner to replace Holly Willougby on Dancing On Ice’ after proving popular with I’m A Celebrity viewers
Josie Gibson is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Holly Willoughby as host of Dancing On Ice.
ITV bosses are said to believe the I’m A Celebrity star would be a good replacement for Holly after she became a hit with viewers in the jungle.
Bosses are said to be concerned that Holly has developed ‘cold feet’ over her return to TV since leaving This Morning in October following an alleged plot to kidnap and kill her.
A source said The sun: ‘Josie’s time in the jungle shows that she has the perfect mix of humility, self-confidence, humor and unflappability.
‘And she’s already proven she can handle live TV during her time as co-host on This Morning, where she’s also built up quite a following among viewers.
Josie Gibson is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Holly Willoughby as host of Dancing On Ice
ITV bosses are said to believe the I’m A Celebrity star would make a good replacement for Holly after she became a hit with viewers in the jungle
‘TV is still hoping Holly will sign up. But the situation remains up in the air and nervous producers are now counting down to the start in days rather than weeks.”
The insider added that there are other presenters who could potentially replace Holly, but Josie is the standout at the moment.
Other names believed to be in the running include Josie’s This Morning co-star Rochelle Humes and Loose Women star Christine Lampard.
MailOnline has contacted Dancing On Ice representatives for comment.
Rumor has it that Holly has told friends she is keen to host the famous ice skating show, which will air again in January.
But executives at ITV fear their main target may have developed cold feet at the idea of returning to live television.
Sources close to the former This Morning presenter say Holly is experiencing a ‘crisis of confidence’ following her comeback.
If Holly ultimately decides not to return to the show, which has been airing since 2006, it would force ITV to find a whole new line-up for the fan-favorite celebrities.
A source said: ‘Josie’s stint in the jungle shows she has the perfect mix of humility, confidence, humor and unflappability.’
Bosses are said to be concerned that Holly has developed ‘cold feet’ over return to TV since leaving this morning in October
Phillip Schofield – who quit ITV in May after admitting lying about an affair with a male colleague – has been replaced by Stephen Mulhern.
A source told The Sunday Mirror: ‘Holly is really our first choice but we are quickly approaching the point where we need to know if she will return.
‘There are almost no demands on the presenter before the shows start, but we will have to arrange a replacement if she does not return.
‘We were very keen not to put any pressure on her as she was very shaken by the alleged kidnapping plan.
“But time is ticking and we really need to know by the end of this month.”
A source close to Holly said the presenter has not been given a formal deadline to make her decision by ITV.
A man who denies the alleged kidnap and murder plot is due to stand trial in June.