Dancing On Ice future hangs in the balance as insiders predict show could be axed forever next year

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DANCING On Ice future hangs in the balance as insiders predict that the ITV show could be axed forever next year.

The ITV show is currently airing its 16th series after hitting our screens back in 2006.

Insiders think that this could be Dancing On Ice’s final series

The show has had Johnny Weir(left) step in for Ashley Banjo on the panel for the past two weeks

The third week of the competition saw just 2.9 million viewers tune in, which is a stark contrast to 12 million who would tune in every Sunday to watch many years ago.

The Mirror has reported that insiders have told them that the “show faces a fight to continue” – and “cost is a “huge factor” as to why.

ITV have to fork out money for 12 celebrities and their professional partners, and the four judges Torvil and Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse.

Not only that, there are also presenters Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, and the use of the studio in Hertfordshire too.

A source told The Mirror: “Dancing on Ice faces an uncertain future.

“The ratings are low for a big weekend show and without Torvill and Dean putting in their performances this could be the end of the road.

“It is an incredibly expensive show to make.

“It only works if it gets a big audience.”

A show spokesman added to the publication: “Dancing on Ice remains a popular format for us, having launched with 4.2 million viewers.”

It comes after Eddie the Eagle was voted off the show last night.


Eddie performed to Elton John‘s Rocket Man, while Love Island‘s Amber Davies danced a dramatic performance to Little Mix‘s Power in the skate off.

Judge Oti voted to keep Eddie, while guest judge Johnny Weir, Christopher and Jayne voted to keep Amber in.

Speaking on their exit, his pro partner Vicky Ogden said: “Eddie has been amazing to skate with.

“He’s just legendary and I watch him even on his own go out. He’s incredible to be around.”

Others complained that the results were “rigged” to get Amber into the final.

But some ITV viewers were quick to brand the show a fix – and said the Love Island star was being “guided” around the ice by her partner, whereas Eddie skated on his own.

Those at home insisted Eddie’s solo dance showed more technical skill that Amber’s performance, and it was a no-brainer who should have left.

One wrote: “Every week Amber has been picked up for not skating alone. In that skate off it was 1 second if that!! How did she get through FFS! Fixed? Do they know the final line up they want already?”

“Dancing On Ice ridiculous Eddie skates by himself Amber gets guided around the ice so fixed,” a second said.

Meanwhile fans have begged bosses to keep guest judge Johnny on the show.

Diversity legend Ashley has been away for two weeks due to touring with the dance group.

But viewers have loved having the professional dancer on the panel.

One wrote: “I like Ashley Banjo, but Johnny needs to be permanent.”

Another said: “Can we pleeeease keep Johnny Weir The show’s a million times better with him.”

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