ITV’s “Dancing on Ice,” a staple of British television since its debut in 2006, has been officially cancelled and will not return for a new series in 2026.

ITV has announced that Dancing On Ice has been “rested” with “no current plans for another series”.

The decision means the show won’t be on air for its 20th anniversary next year.

The decision follows declining ratings and critiques of the show’s format.

ITV’s decision to axe Dancing on Ice was largely influenced by a steady decline in viewing figures. Once attracting over 10 million viewers in its early years, the latest series struggled to exceed 3 million. Changing audience preferences, increased competition, and format fatigue contributed to the show’s diminishing popularity.

The seventeenth and final series concluded on March 9, 2025, with actor Sam Aston and his professional partner Molly Lanaghan crowned as champions. The finale also marked the end of an era, as legendary skaters and judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean had previously announced it would be their last participation.

In the aftermath, co-host Holly Willoughby expressed her gratitude to the show’s crew, celebrities, and viewers. She highlighted the joy and warmth the series brought each January and praised Torvill and Dean’s contributions. Notably, Willoughby omitted mention of her former co-host Phillip Schofield, reflecting their strained relationship following his departure from ITV in 2023.

The show’s cancellation leaves Willoughby without a prime-time ITV program for the first time in 21 years. Speculation about her future includes potential projects such as a reboot of “Blind Date” on the BBC.

Fans have launched petitions to revive “Dancing on Ice,” but these efforts have seen limited support, indicating a waning public interest. The dismantling and storage of the show’s set further suggest that a return is unlikely.

While “Dancing on Ice” enjoyed a successful run, the combination of declining viewership and production challenges has led to its conclusion, marking the end of a significant chapter in British entertainment

About “Dancing on Ice”

Dancing on Ice was a popular ITV reality competition that paired celebrities with professional skaters to perform routines on the ice. First airing in 2006, the show was hosted by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby (with Christine Lampard briefly replacing Willoughby). The judging panel was led by Olympic legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

Over the years, several celebrities have lifted the trophy, including actor Joe Swash (2020), singer Jake Quickenden (2018), and gymnast Beth Tweddle (2013). The first-ever winner was actress Gaynor Faye in 2006.

Despite its success, Dancing on Ice was no stranger to controversy. One of the biggest scandals involved Gemma Collins in 2019, who clashed with judge Jason Gardiner after he criticized her performance. Another controversial moment came in 2023 when Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s outfit sparked complaints for being too revealing. The show also faced backlash over claims of vote rigging and biased judging.