Holly Willoughby given huge Dancing On Ice contract by ITV bosses as they try to get her to return after ‘kidnap plot’
HOLLY WILLOUGHBY has been given a Dancing On Ice contract as ITV push for her to make a return to presenting the series next month.
And the show’s bosses have promised to increase her security from the moment she leaves home and around the studios to persuade her to sign.
The protection upgrade comes after the presenter was subject to an alleged kidnap and murder plot.
Yesterday there were claims the threat has left Holly, 42, with a fear of hosting live TV.
She has reputedly been offered around £200k to £250k to host the programme’s nine episodes.
It was also claimed ITV has given her a deadline to sign, but that was last night denied by sources close to the TV favourite.
A telly insider told The Sun on Sunday ITV chiefs are primed for her screen comeback and are prepared to do anything it takes to make her happy hosting Dancing On Ice.
One source said: “Holly has been sent an ITV contract to do the show.
“It’s now getting closer to it being on air and everyone is hopeful she’s going to sign it.
“They are willing to do whatever they need to do to make her comfortable and get her to sign the contract.
“Holly is the star of the show. There has been discussion about a plan to increase all security on set so she feels safe.”
We can reveal that This Morning’s Rochelle Humes, 34, is the favourite to step in if Holly decides not to return.
Stephen Mulhern, 46, has agreed to be her co-host after the departure of Phillip Schofield.
Holly is understood to approve of Stephen, which ITV hopes will also help persuade her to agree to her contract.
The station has been searching for a replacement since Schofield left ITV this year after admitting an “unwise, but not illegal” affair with a younger runner on This Morning.
We approached ITV for comment.
A spokesperson for Holly said no decision on her return had yet been made.