Phillip Schofield’s Dancing on Ice replacement ‘revealed’ as bosses wowed by star

DANCING On Ice bosses have inched closer to appointing Phillip Schofield’s Dancing On Ice replacement, according to reports.

Former host Phillip, 61, was axed by ITV last month after admitting to an affair with a much younger male This Morning colleague.

As it stands, Dancing On Ice co-star Holly Willoughby, 42, will remain in her role on the show but is in need of a new presenting partner.

A source has told the Mirror Jane McDonald, 60, is the number one target after she impressed as a stand-in host for Phillip at the British Soap Awards, which he had overseen for 16 years.

They said: “Jane is now the favourite to replace Phillip on Dancing on Ice when it returns next year.

“She did a great job hosting the Soap Awards earlier this month and bosses are keen to sign her up. She had people in stitches – and they love how frank she is, while also being very warm.”

ITV told the publication it is yet to decide on its line-up.

Jane was praised after her fun performance at the Soap Awards.

The star took to the red carpet in a red velvet gown, before changing into an even more fabulous glittering gold dress for the ceremony itself.

She was given a warm welcome by the soap stars from the likes of Emmerdale, EastEnders and Coronation Street, with an onlooker telling The Celeb Report Online: “Jane is a natural at this.

“It’s obvious she loves soaps and the audience loves her for it. She had fans in hysterics with her performance – even breaking into song during the down bits.

“It was like she’s been doing it for years. The audience and soap stars absolutely loved her.”

An insider added: “It’s clear the soap stars were all thrilled to have Jane hosting and not have anything overshadow their hard-work over the year, just as it should be.”