Jane McDonald ‘is first choice to replace Phillip Schofield on Dancing On Ice’ after impressing bosses at British Soap Awards
Jane McDonald is reportedly the top choice to replace Phillip Schofield as co-host of Dancing On Ice.
The singer, 60, is said to have blown away ITV bosses when she took the place of Phillip, 61, as presenter of the British Soap Awards earlier this month.
According to The mirrorJane is now allowed to join Holly Willoughby on the skating show for the next series in January.
A source said: ‘Jane is now the favorite to replace Phillip on Dancing On Ice when it returns next year.
She did a fantastic job hosting the Soap Awards earlier this month and bosses are eager to enter her. She had people in stitches – and they love how outspoken she is, while also being very warm.”
Contender: Jane McDonald is reportedly the top choice to replace Phillip Schofield as co-host of Dancing On Ice
New face: Jane is now allowed to join Holly Willoughby on the skating show for the next series in January (Phillip Schofield and Holly pictured on Dancing On Ice)
The insider also added that Holly has no intention of quitting her role on Dancing On Ice, despite her old co-presenter Phillip leaving ITV.
They said, ‘We very much expect Holly to come back. She hasn’t indicated she might be leaving.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives from ITV and Jane McDonald for comment.
Opera singer and cruise ship favorite Jane was revealed as Phillip’s replacement for the British Soap Awards after he left ITV and was dropped by his talent agency YMU after admitting to having an affair with a young male colleague This Morning.
He confessed to having an “ill-advised but not illegal” relationship with a man during his marriage to Stephanie Lowe, previously denying the affair when asked by his agent.
The “ill-advised” relationship took place during his nearly 30-year marriage to wife Stephanie, 59, and Phillip said he was “so sorry” about being unfaithful.
Stephanie, who shares two children Ruby, 27, and Molly, 29, with Phillip, issued a statement when her husband came out as gay in a touching This Morning segment in 2020.
The presenter confirmed in a statement last month that he has stepped down from all his ITV jobs, including the ceremony.
Success: Jane is said to have blown away ITV bosses when she filled in for Phillip as presenter of the British Soap Awards earlier this month
Stay put: The insider also added that Holly has no plans to quit her role on Dancing On Ice despite her old co-host Phillip leaving ITV
In his statement, Phillip said, “I will reflect on my very poor judgment in both participating in the relationship and then lying about it.”
Amid news of Jane taking over, fans hailed the star as the “perfect choice” to officiate at the ceremony.
Jane kicked off the star-studded ceremony, telling the audience, “I have to say I’m a huge fan of the soap operas, so this is my dream job. Welcome everyone, thank you for having me.’
