Holly Willoughby sparks outrage with ‘appalling’ ITV Dancing on Ice tribute to former star The Vivienne after their death
Dancing on Ice fans have spoken out in their droves to slam a statement delivered by host Holly Willoughby regarding the death of former contestant, The Vivienne.
The drag performer, real name James Lee Williams, was found dead last week at the age of 32.
The Vivienne made it to third place in the competition in 2023 after being paired with pro skater Colin Grafton.
Grafton was one of several famous faces who issued heartfelt tributes to The Vivienne following their death, with the likes of Ariana Grande, Oti Mabuse and RuPaul also among the mourners.
Ahead of this year’s return, it had been reported that the ITV show would be allocating part of its 2025 premiere to pay tribute to the drag performer.
And moments into Sunday’s show, Willoughby did just that following a routine from this year’s cast of pro skaters.
Speaking to the camera, Willoughby said to viewers: “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.
“Now, they were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023 and they’ll be very sorely missed.”
The audience applauded while co-host Stephen Mulhern chipped in: “Absolutely.”
The show soon moved on as Coronation Street’s Sam Aston became the first celebrity contestant to take to the ice but the seemingly swift nature of the tribute irked a number of viewers at home.
So much so, social media soon became awash with complaints from X users outraged at Willoughby’s speech.
“Was that seriously the tribute for The Vivienne they were talking about??” one user fumed. “Hoping there’s something else later on in the show because that’s the only reason why I tuned in icl #DancingOnIce.”
A second echoed: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.”
“#DancingOnIce #thevivienne THATS IT!? … Not even a black a white image? Appalling,” a third viewer fumed.
Meanwhile a fourth raged: “Nah #DancingOnIce making out they were doing a tribute to The Vivienne and they say practically nothing they make more tribute that that s**ty bolero what the f*** absolutely abysmal show #doi.”
The complaints kept coming from a fifth: “I thought that they might of said/done a little more when it came too paying homage too The Vivienne, showing previous clips and, or a dance routine in memory of perhaps. #DancingOnIce.”
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While a sixth pulled no punches with their verdict of the tribute: “That tribute from #DoI #DancingOnIce for #TheVivienne was absolutely disgusting.
“No VT, no picture on the big screen… the opening dance could’ve been a dedication. Seemed like no feeling or care at all in that.” (sic)
GB News has contact ITV for comment on the backlash to the Vivienne tribute.