Dancing On Ice returned to ITV on Sunday to the joy of fans – however, many had the same complaint when they tuned in to watch the latest batch of celebrities skate for praise.

Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern were both back to host the iconic winter sport reality competition – with football pundit Anton Ferdinand and TV presenter Michaela Strachan among the stars taking to the ice to try and win the trophy. While many were excited to see the show back for its 17th season, some took issue with the “cringe” jokes that host Stephen, 47, cracked.

The TV host showed proved he is still at the top of his light-entertainment game – as he had a running joke where he made mistakes over some of the contestant names and jobs, joking that Anton would need a net, rather than realising his skate partner is called Annette Dytrt. And there was a joke about Michaela being a “naturist” rather than a nature expert.

Many took to X to complain about Stephen’s repertoire, with one writing: “These jokes they’re not even funny #DancingOnIce.” Another typing: “The jokes between Stephen and Holly are soooooo cringe #DancingOnIce.” And a further fan complaining: “Who’s writing the script, the jokes are cringeworthy #DancingOnIce.”

Dancing On Ice fans were thrilled to see the show back for the 2025 season ( 
Image:
ITV)

But many others were thrilled to see Dancing On Ice back on the TV – and to have Stephen back too. One impressed fan wrote: “@StephenMulhern Back on my TV. Love seeing his face. He never ages #DancingOnIce.” And another remarked: “#DancingOnIce love the skating professionals they’re so good at what they do!”

As well as Anton and Michaela, a number of stars have been lined up to skate away over the next couple of months. EastEnders icon Charlie Brooks – famous for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap – is taking part and has been paired with professional skater Eric Radford. However, she’s not the only soap star to be taking part. Coronation Street star Sam Aston – who plays Chesney Brown on the ITV show – is taking part and is partnered with pro skater Molly Lanaghan. And Hollyoaks star Chelsee Healey, famous for playing Goldie McQueen, is partnered with Andy Buchanan.

Former Towie stars Dan Edgar and Ferne McCann are taking part and have been paired with Vanessa James and Brendyn Hatfield respectively – while former Love Island contestant Chris Taylor will be skating alongside professional star Vanessa Bauer. Comedian Josh Jones has been paired with professional skater Tippy Packard, and Olympic icon Steve Redgrave is taking part under the guidance of skater Vicky Ogden.

Meanwhile, the judging panel is composed of skating icons Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, and TV personalities Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse. However, another star had been due to take part in the series – before injury forced them off.

Paralympic hero Dame Sarah Storey had been all set to take part on this year’s Dancing on Ice, but a nasty fall during training led to an abrupt exit. She revealed her fate via social media, writing: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together! An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.”