Christine Bleakley replaces Holly Willoughby as 'Dancing on Ice' host

Christine Bleakley has replaced Holly Willoughby on Dancing on Ice, it has been announced.

The Daybreak star, who defected to ITV last year, will co-host the 2012 series alongside Phillip Schofield.



Bleakley said in a statement: "I've always been a total Dancing on Ice addict so it really is hard to sum up how excited I am to be joining the team.

"My only concern was what a big task it is to follow the brilliant Holly and I can only promise her, Phillip and everyone at home that they couldn't have a bigger fan of the show on board."

Schofield, who works with Willoughby on This Morning, commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that Christine is on board and I'm really excited about the new series."

Willoughby tweeted: "Good luck to Christine Bleakley on this year's Dancing on Ice. It's a truly magical show and you will love it. I'll miss you all very much!"

She quickly added: "No.... I'm not pregnant!"

There has been speculation that Willoughby's departure coincides with a new presenting role on BBC One's upcoming talent show The Voice, but nothing has been confirmed.

Dancing on Ice is expected to return for its seventh series in January.

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