ITV to revamp Dancing on Ice?

ITV is reportedly planning to revamp Dancing on Ice after a lacklustre seventh series.

The seventh series aired on ITV1 earlier this year which itself had undergone something of an overhaul with Christine Bleakley drafted in as co-presenter alongside Phillip Schofield amongst some of the changes that didn’t go down well with viewers. Bleakley replaced Holly Willoughby as presenter who was dropped because of her presenting role on BBC One’s The Voice but some viewers were not impressed by the former Daybreak host.

Other changes to Dancing on Ice included the addition of Louie Spence and Katarina Witt to the panel who replaced Jason Gardiner and Emma Bunton. The line-up of judges is said to be one area ITV is considering changing once again as part of its proposed overall of the series. The Sun reports that Louie Spence, Katarina Witt and Robin Cousins could all be replaced. ITV is reportedly considering switching the show to Saturday evenings as part of the changes.

‘Dancing On Ice was so boring this year – and it didn’t escape the notice of the top brass. We’re going back to the drawing board in a bid to inject some life into the show. We’re looking at everything – the judges, the stars on the show, everything is up for discussion.’ A source speaking to The Sun

Dancing on Ice ratings were down on previous years because of tough competition on BBC One in the form of dramas Sherlock, Call the Midwife and Birdsong. The series was also criticised for being boring and was hit by a string of injuries with Chesney Hawkes forced to pull out before the seventh series even launched. Across the series itself celebrities such as Heidi Range, Charlene Tilton, Jennifer Ellison and Laila Morse all sustained injuries during training or performances.

Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden won the seventh series with Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter finishing third and X Factor contestant Chico, who was the replacement for the injured Chesney Hawkes, came third. Former Brookside actress Jennifer Ellison was the early tabloid favourite to win but was eliminated before the finale.

[Written by Rosemary Bright]