‘Real reason’ Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern were reunited for Dancing On Ice revealed by ITV as star makes return

THE real reason why Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern have been chosen to present Dancing On Ice together has been revealed by ITV.

It was confirmed this morning that Holly, 42, would be joined by Britain’s Got More Talent host Stephen, 46, to present the new series.

But ITV has since revealed a deeper meaning for the choice – as the pair celebrate their 20th telly anniversary together.

Holly and Stephen were first seen on screen together in 2004, presenting Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown.

Previously titled Ministry of Mayhem, they hosted the children’s entertainment programme for two years until 2006.

And with Dancing On Ice returning to screens on January 14, it’s a poignant moment for the duo to reunite as hosts.

Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at ITV, said “Holly and Stephen are two of our best loved presenters.

“Reuniting them twenty years after they first appeared on-screen together to host Dancing on Ice marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”

Holly hasn’t appeared on screens since announcing in October that she would not return to This Morning.

The star has kept a low profile since an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was revealed in October.

Holly announced in the wake of the bombshell that she was quitting the daytime hit she had presented alongside Phillip since 2009.

In a statement she explained: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much.

“This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.I will not be returning to This Morning.

“Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.”