ITV Dancing on Ice set to introduce huge format change in bid to improve celebrity ‘welfare’
Dancing on Ice is set for a major shake-up ahead of its 2025 series, with ITV bosses overhauling the traditional skate-off format to help contestants cope with training demands.
The long-running ice skating competition will no longer require couples who land in the bottom two to perform a new routine during the elimination round.
Instead, contestants facing elimination will simply repeat their main show performance, marking a significant change to the programme’s established format.
The modification comes as part of ITV’s broader focus on contestant welfare and mental wellbeing.
A show source told The Sun that the change aims to reduce the pressure on participating couples, who previously had to prepare multiple routines each week, with some dances ultimately going unused.
“On Dancing on Ice, in the past all the couples had to prepare a special skate-off dance which would be ready in case they were voted into the bottom two,” the show source explained.
“But that meant on top of learning their main routine, any group dances – and sometimes more – the pairs were in most cases having to learn a dance that went to waste.”
The insider revealed that producers have reconsidered their approach moving forward.
“Bosses have rethought the plan moving forwards and couples in the bottom two will now be asked to simply repeat the same dance that they performed on the main show,” they added.
The change is being implemented with duty of care considerations at the forefront, focusing on training schedules and efficiency for contestants.
Alongside the skate-off changes, ITV has introduced a 24-hour hotline for contestants to raise any concerns during their time on the show.
The programme’s bosses have sent participants a comprehensive six-page letter informing them they can speak out “without fear of abuse”.
A source told The Sun: “ITV puts the welfare of show contestants at the heart of what they do. No one needs another Strictly — and bosses want their stars to feel like they can speak out if something isn’t right.”
The letter reportedly warns stars that participating in the show could leave them “physically and mentally drained”.
It also addresses conduct with professional skating partners, stating: “Winning should never come at the expense of integrity and respect.”
GB News have approached ITV about the reported changes.
The measures follow recent controversies surrounding BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, including bullying allegations involving professional dancer Giovanni Pernice.
Each celebrity will be assigned a dedicated producer to monitor their wellbeing throughout the competition.
The producers will serve as chaperones, similar to measures introduced in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“They will have access to a 24-hour hotline manned by professionals to raise concerns about any bullying or to get help with their mental health,” the source told the publication.
The celebrities have reportedly responded positively to these new welfare measures.
“This year’s celebs have said they appreciate the measures. To know they have support like this is reassuring,” the insider added.
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The enhanced duty of care protocols come as ITV aims to prevent any potential controversies similar to those that have affected other dance competition shows.
These changes reflect the broadcaster’s commitment to prioritising contestant welfare during the demanding competition schedule.
The upcoming 2025 series will feature a diverse cast of celebrities taking to the ice.
Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave has joined the line-up, stating: “It’s like going back to being an athlete again, I’ve been competing most of my life.”
Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan is among the contestants, admitting: “I’ve got a bit of balance, but I have no idea whether I’m going to be good.”
EastEnders star Charlie Brooks has also signed up, revealing: “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.”
Other notable participants include Coronation Street’s Sam Aston, Love Island’s Chris Taylor, and The Traitors’ Mollie Pearce.
The cast is completed by TOWIE stars Ferne McCann and Dan Edgar, footballer Anton Ferdinand, Hollyoaks’ Chelsee Healey, comedian Josh Jones, and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey.