phillip replaced© Photo: Rex

Phillip Schofield's Dancing on Ice replacement confirmed following isolation

The ITV presenter tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week

Senior Features Writer
Updated: February 5, 2022

ITV have confirmed Phillip Schofield's replacement for this weekend's Dancing on Ice show following the host's bout of COVID-19.

MORE: This Morning's Holly Willoughby makes return to show amid Phillip Schofield's absence

Phillip, who has been forced to miss out on his presenting duties for This Morning for most of this week due to isolation, will be replaced temporarily by In For a Penny star, Stephen Mulhern who will host alongside Holly Willoughby. It will be the first time in 20 years that the pair have presented together since their days on children's television. 

WATCH: Dancing on Ice star Regan Gascoigne shares impressive training update

A spokesperson for the skating show said: "This Sunday's episode of Dancing on Ice will be hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern while Phillip Schofield continues to self-isolate."

MORE: Holly Willoughby looks pretty in pink in fairytale dress

MORE: This Morning's Holly Willoughby addresses new reports of 'rift' with Phillip Schofield

Speaking in a statement, Stephen added: "I’m very much looking forward to being back hosting alongside my good friend Holly this weekend. It’s big shoes to fill and I’m wishing Phillip a speedy recovery. I’m a big fan of Dancing on Ice and for one night only I’m thrilled to be rink side watching the action unfold. It’s going to be unbelievable!"

Philip admitted that his attendance on Sunday night's live taping would be touch and go when he appeared on This Morning earlier this week.

Stephen will be presenting Sunday night's show

Alison Hammond stepped in to present the magazine programme alongside Rochelle Humes, who then spoke to Phillip on Tuesday via Zoom. He told his co-stars: "There are a number of things that I'm disappointed about. Obviously, I'm disappointed that I'm not there.

"We are a little bit worried about Dancing on Ice because I'm cutting it fine for Dancing on Ice on Sunday." Lightening the mood, Phillip added: "Then I'm going to miss Gok's [Wan] dumplings!"

© Photo: Rex

Phillip revealed on Tuesday that his appearance on Dancing on Ice this Sunday was touch and go

The government guidelines currently state that people with COVID-19 in England can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on day five and day six.

On Thursday evening, Phillip shared a funny meme from his isolation which showed a positive lateral flow device alongside a photo-shopped version of a test result that read 'Go to the pub'. He captioned the photo: "The one I keep getting [and] the one I want!!!" before adding: "Feeling 100% well in quarantine."

MORE: Inside Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby’s stylish bedroom

The father-of-two revealed on social media that he had tested positive for coronavirus via a Lateral Flow Test on Monday evening, but assured his fans he was feeling okay.

Sharing a picture of his positive test on his Instagram Stories, he wrote: "Well [expletive]!!" alongside a face-palm emoji, adding: "Currently just a slightly sore throat."

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