Phillip Schofield’s replacement on this weekend’s Dancing On Ice has been ‘confirmed’, with Stephen Mulhern set to step in alongside Holly Willoughby, according to reports.

Earlier this week Phil revealed he’d tested positive for Covid, forcing him into isolation, with his various hosting duties left up in the air.

While he was replaced by Allison Hammond and Josie Gibson on This Morning this week, his Dancing On Ice appearance also remained in doubt depending on whether he tests negative, meaning he may have been able to leave isolation after five days.

According to NHS guidelines, if you test positive, your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you do not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. You can stop isolating if you return a negative rapid lateral flow test both on day five of self-isolation, as well as the next day, and if you do not have a high temperature.

However, according to The Mirror, Stephen will be stepping into Phil’s shoes for the next round of icy escapades.

While the replacement remains speculative at time of writing, an insider claimed to the publication: ‘While Phil is off recovering, Stephen was delighted to be asked to step in to fill his shoes and present alongside Holly.

‘He gets on with everyone so bosses are more than happy for him to step up. Everyone’s wishing Phil a quick recovery and hoping to see him back in his rightful place later this month.’


Phil previously noted his isolation could impact his stint on the ITV show, as he caught up with Rochelle and Alison via the wonders of video call this week.

He told the pair: ‘We’re a little bit worried about Dancing On Ice, we’re cutting it a bit fine for Sunday.’

On Monday the presenter shared the news of his positive test on Instagram, keeping fans updated on his symptoms at the itme.

Alongside a snap of his positive Lateral Flow Test, Phil fumed: ‘Well b******s!!

‘Currently just a slightly sore throat.’

It was previously claimed TV bosses were considering an all-female presenting duo for the show’s return on Sunday, if Phil wasn’t able to host.

According to the Sun, Amanda Holden was tipped to take the reigns alongside Holly, with Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes also being considered for the role.

It comes after Happy Mondays star Bez was forced to leave the show after he tested positive for Covid, then Rachel Stevens was banned from the ice after she suffered a painful wrist injury.

More recently, BMX racer Kye Whyte suffered a knee injury while training.

ITV declined to comment when contacted by Metro.co.uk.

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