, hosted by and , has seen a huge dip in its viewing figures for the latest series, with the two most recent episodes (January 26 and February 2) pulling in a paltry 2.5 million viewers for the show.
This latest blow comes just hours after and Olympian
This is all a far cry from its peak which saw 12 million viewers tune in to watch former HearSay singer Suzanne Shaw skate to victory in 2008.
Even by the end of the first run of the series in 2014 before it’s four year hiatus until 2018 it was still drawing in seven million viewers.
These latest figures mark the lowest ever viewing numbers in the show’s almost 20 year history since it first launched in 2006 and has led to calls from viewers to put the show out of it’s misery.
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Dancing on Ice has been hit with a ratings blow this season (Image: ITV)
“Not surprising at all. Well, I’m a little surprised it gets that many if anything. They need to axe it and just get a whole new show to fill that slot in Jan-March each year. I actually think everyone is all talent show’d out if anything,” one opined.
A second said: “ITV would save money by cancelling it!” A third chimed in: “It’s got to be last series surely.” A fourth bluntly stated: “ITV should axe it.”
A fifth commented: “It’s a tired show. It’s not like Strictly where they can push the dances and try new stuff. It’s limited. The production is tired, presenters are tired.”
Meanwhile a sixth observed: “Tbh this series seems to be different. I am usually so excited to watch it, but this year I have actually found it to be quite boring. Also, so annoyed that they had no skate off’s for a while, the celebs aren’t that exciting apart from a few, etc. #DancingOnIce.”
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Steve Redgrave and pro skater Vicky Ogden were the latest couple to leave Dancing on Ice (Image: ITV)
Olympic rowing hero Steve Redgrave was the latest celebrity to bid farewell to the ice-dance extravaganza. Partnered with Vicky Ogden, the sporting legend had found the icy challenge tough from the start.
The 62-year-old sporting legend faced off against ‘s Sam Aston in the bottom two after making a slip-up in his performance.
In a twist that sparked controversy, there was no skate-off; instead, the judges’ scores combined with public votes determined the immediate exit of the lowest-scoring celebrity.
He made a brief five-word comment following his axe, saying: “I haven’t enjoyed the falling over”, but added: “It’s been absolutely amazing, and this lady [referring to partner Vicky] has been incredible.”