Dancing On Ice’s future has been thrown into doubt after the head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean revealed they are ready to hang up their skates.
The confession comes as the ITV show is set to return to screens in January, but beyond that the future of the show is known.
Ratings for the competition have been falling steadily over the years and the former Olympic gold medalists are readying themselves for retirement, according to the Mirror.
This could mean that the show’s 17th series is it’s last almost 20 years after it first aired.
But before the duo skate away in to the sunset, they will do a final tour next year, and they will continue to judge the celebrities as they take to the ice.
The pair’s possible departure from the show could be the final nail in the coffin as the competition would lose one of its biggest draws, despite their plans to stay on as coaches and judges.
Dancing On Ice’s future is in doubt after the head judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean revealed they are ready to hang up their skates
Ratings for the competition have been falling steadily over the years and the former Olympic gold medalists are readying themselves for retirement
Another issue ITV producers will have to contend with host Holly Willoughby, 43, who is reportedly keen to expand her career and try new things (pictured on the show in January 2024)
Chris told the publication that the future of the show will be known by the end of the series.
He said: ‘By the end of the series we’ll know.
‘We would love the show to continue. It’s been a renaissance for us. It started 2006 so it’s almost 20 years of our life as well. We’ve been doing Dancing On Ice longer than we did as competitors.’
His partner Jayne explained: ‘We were part of it from the beginning.’
The last series saw struggling viewing ratings with one episode managing to pull in only 2.9million viewers, a stark contrast to the 12 million it got at its peak.
Another issue ITV producers will have to contend with is the show’s host Holly Willoughby, 43, is reportedly keen to expand her career and try new things.
Despite their stars possible moving on to greener pastures, ITV is still hoping its latest batch of stars including Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, 62, and Coronation Street actor Sam Aston, 31, will draw viewers back in.
Last week Ferne McCann showed off her impressive ice skating skills while Dan Edgar practised some daring lifts ahead of their stint on Dancing On Ice.
The pair’s possible departure from the show could be the final nail in the coffin as the competition would lose one of its biggest draws – although the pair could stay on as coaches and judges
Last week Ferne McCann showed off her impressive ice skating skills despite previosuly revealing how nervous she was to take part
Elsewhere, Dan Edgar, 34, and his partner Vanessa James Amoros were laser-focused while practicing their routine both on and off the ice
The Only Way Is Essex stars as set to battle it out on the rink when the hit ITV show, kicks off in January and have been undergoing gruelling training sessions.
Ferne, 34, who is partnered with Brendyn Hatfield, wrapped up against the chill in a white fleece and black leggings.
Professional Brendyn was seen lifting her into the air at one point while moving gracefully across the ice.
Elsewhere, Dan, 34, and his partner Vanessa James Amoros were laser-focused while practicing their routine both on and off the ice.
The TV personality wore a white quarter zip and black jogging bottoms for another long day of rehearsals.
Speaking to MailOnline at the Pride Of Britain Awards, Ferne lifted the lid on her worries about taking part in the ITV competition.
She said candidly: ‘Everyone has said to me “Oh can you ice skate?” and I’ve found it a really difficult question to answer. No I can’t ice skate, I’ve done the odd Winter Wonderland with Sunday.
‘I’m normally bending over a penguin trying to keep her up. I’m fit right, I like to work out, but this is a whole different ball game and it’s challenging.
‘I can ice skate now after my two weeks training are very much underway and it’s really fun and it’s great to learn a new skill.’
The reality TV star added: ‘It’s just challenging. I’ve been watching on YouTube and scrolling through the Dancing On Ice Instagram and I just want to focus day by day instead of looking because it throws me off.
‘In my mind, where I am now, I can’t see how I’m going to get to show live ready. It doesn’t compute.’
DANCING ON ICE 2025: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
FERNE MCCANN
AGE: 34
PROFESSION: Reality TV star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m so excited, it’s going to be a huge challenge but I’m excited for the glitz and glamour of the show.’
SIR STEVE REDRGAVE
AGE: 62
PROFESSION: Former Olympic rower
WHAT DID THEY SAY? ‘It’s like going back to being an athlete again, I’ve been competing most of my life.’
CHARLIE BROOKS
AGE: 43
PROFESSION: Soap star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’ve skated when I was a kid and with mulled wine at Christmas. Until I get on the ice I have no idea how I’m going to be. I’m not that strong.’
ANTON FERDINAND
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Footballer and pundit
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: Dancing On Ice will give me that focus but I’m also doing it for my daughter because she loves dance and performing arts.’
CHRIS TAYLOR
Age: 34
PROFESSION: Reality star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m somewhere between absolutely terrified and very excited and I keep flitting between the two quite aggressively throughout the day. I’ve not even started stretching yet, I need to.’
CHELSEE HEALEY
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Actress
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m ready, I’m good to go, let’s go! I’ve got a bit of rhythm but skating on ice is completely different, I’m excited.
MOLLIE PEARCE
AGE: 22
PROFESSION: Reality TV star and model
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘It will be fun, I want to challenge myself, I’m ready for the challenge.’
SAM ASTON
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Soap star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘Anyone at work who I’ve spoken to has done it have all kind of the same thing that it is a great experience and it is really hard, and it’s tiring and tough but it is brilliant as well.’
JOSH JONES
AGE: 31
PROFESSION: Comedian
WHAT DID THEY SAY? ‘I’ve not got any skating experience whatsoever, I did it once for a date years ago and I wasn’t very good, I was holding onto the railings the entire time and we aren’t together now.’
MICHAELA STRACHAN
AGE: 58
PROFESSION: Television presenter
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘It’s going to be a big challenge, I think the last time I was on ice was 14 years ago, because I trained as a dancer, I’ve got a bit of balance, but I have no idea whether I’m going to be good.’
DAN EDGAR
AGE: 34
PROFESSION: TOWIE star
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m looking forward to it but the thought of the live shows and performing is very real.’
DAME SARAH STOREY
AGE: 46
PROFESSION: Paralympian
WHAT DID THEY SAY?: ‘I’m excited to learn a new skill and have the opportunity to put myself out there and learn a new sport.’