Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern spoke to viewers at the start of the Dancing on Ice final ahead of either Anton Ferdinand, Michaela Strachan and Sam Aston being crowned

Holly Willoughby admitted that she was feeling emotional just minutes into Dancing On Ice’s latest final amid speculation over the long-running show’s future.

The current series of ITV show concludes tonight after having launched back in January. Holly, 44, and Stephen Mulhern, 47, are hosting the final, in which one contestant and their skating partner will be crowned the new winners.The episode opened with the cast reflecting on the latest series before finalists Anton Ferdinand, Michaela Strachan and Sam Aston took to the ice for a group performance to Sigma and Morgan’s song Adrenaline Rush. Some of the show’s professional skaters were also involved in the routine

Following the performance, co-hosts Holly and Stephen teased what to expect from the rest of the episode. Holly told viewers: “It’s so exciting in here, I can’t tell you.” After showing off the trophy, Stephen teased: “It’s gonna be an emotional night.”

Holly added in their opening scene: “I know … don’t!” Stephen responded: “You’re getting emotional already.” Seemingly referencing the opening scenes of the final, Holly told her colleague: “That set me off just now.”

Holly was met with compliments earlier in the evening after showcasing her finale outfit on Instagram. She shared a photo of herself modelling her shimmering gown shortly before the live episode launched. The layered dress features silver sparkles on its bodice that disappear further down to unveil the white gown underneath the glitter.

Holly Willoughby (right) teased that she felt emotional in her opening scene with Stephen Mulhern (left) on Dancing On Ice tonight ( 
Image:
ITV)
One person commented on the look: “Gorgeous dress Holly.” Someone else wrote: “You look STUNNING in that dress.” Whilst a third follower on the platform said: “So pretty.” Another person told Holly: “Wow, stunning dress.”

It comes amid speculation that the episode could be its last. As previously reported, over the past two years DOI has lost more than one million viewers, with the 2023 launch episode being watched by 4.1 million people. However, this series has not made it over 3 million, according to official overnight ratings from BARB. It’s suggested that channel chiefs believe the only way to justify the huge costs involved in making Dancing on Ice going forward is by attracting a blockbuster audience, which isn’t happening

One source said: “There are very real fears this is the end of the road for Dancing on Ice. It’s had a good run for nearly 20 years and has a very loyal set of viewers who really love it but the sad truth is there’s just not enough of them. We need bums on seats but the ratings have dropped to a point where it’s difficult to justify the cost.”

The latest series has featured contestants including EastEnders star Charlie Brooks, the Traitors finalist Mollie Pearce and Love Island’s Chris Taylor – who were all voted off in the weeks prior to the final. Whilst last weekend’s semi-final saw the Only Way Is Essex star Dan Edgar voted out of the competition. The final is set to conclude with either Anton, Michaela or Sam being named this year’s winner