Holly Willoughby voiced her delight for the return of Dancing On Ice eleven months ago, excitedly anticipating the show’s premiere with co-star Phillip Schofield.

Holly had enjoyed the ITV skating show since it provided a respite from her important career and allowed her to wear elegant gowns while amusing the audience.

‘As soon as Christmas went, Holly would get giddy about Dancing On Ice,’ a pal of the performer claims.

‘It was wonderful light relief for her, there was no grilling of MPs or doing reviews of the news, just the chance to have a laugh with Phil and wear the most stunning dresses while entertaining the British public. She loved it.’

However, the scene has shifted dramatically in the last 11 months. Phillip Schofield resigned from ITV following a backlash over his admission of an affair with a younger colleague and subsequent dishonesty.

Holly stood resigned as co-host of This Morning in October due to security concerns regarding an alleged kidnapping and murder plot by former security guard Gavin Plumb.

Holly is apparently unsure about returning to Dancing On Ice, despite the show’s impending comeback in a few weeks. Because of this uncertainty, ITV is concerned about finding a replacement if Holly does not return to her post alongside temporary male host Stephen Mulhern.

Friends tell me it has become the biggest conundrum of her career — and has set ITV on edge over who would replace Holly if she decides she cannot continue her role alongside replacement male host Stephen Mulhern.