Showbiz 5: Ratings melt ITV’s ice and Ryan Corrie comeback

Another newswrap as Judi Dentures casts her views over recent entertainment news…

ITV’s ice just got thinner

Dancing on Ice is likely to thaw out following a decline in ratings. The show, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, has reportedly lost over a million viewers since 2023. A source told the Daily Mirror: “There are real fears this could be the end of the road. It’s had a great run for nearly 20 years and still has a loyal fan base, but unfortunately, the numbers just aren’t enough. We need strong ratings to justify the cost, and viewership has fallen to a concerning level.”

Despite speculation about the show’s future, producers remain focused on Sunday’s grand final. An ITV spokeswoman stated: “The team is fully concentrating on the series finale this Sunday, and no decision has been made regarding the show’s future.”

Originally airing in 2006, Dancing on Ice ran until 2014 before being revived by ITV in 2018. Olympic gold medalists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who have been involved since the show’s inception, performed for the final time last month. Acknowledging their retirement from skating, Christopher, 66, said: “This will be our last live skate on Dancing on Ice. We’re also finishing our last tour this year, and after that, we won’t be performing again.”

Jayne, 67, reflected on their journey with the show, saying: “Dancing on Ice feels like our baby. ITV approached us in the early days, and we helped shape the format together. It’s been an incredible experience to be part of from the beginning.”

Antique case closed

The telly auctioneer Charles Hanson has been cleared of assault and coercive control allegations

Charles Hanson, the well-known TV auctioneer from Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, has been found not guilty of assaulting his wife, Rebecca Hanson, and of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour.

Following a trial at Derby Crown Court, a jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts on all charges last Friday (Feb 28th).

Mr. Hanson, 46, from Mackworth, Derby, had been accused of using violence against his wife over a 10-year period, including allegations of pushing, scratching, and grabbing her. However, after deliberating for approximately four and a half hours, the jury acquitted him of all accusations.

Upon hearing the verdict, Hanson smiled at his parents and gave a thumbs-up from the dock. His parents, seated in the front row of the public gallery, wept with relief and embraced their son as he was discharged.

Judge Martin Hurst expressed his appreciation to the jurors for their careful consideration of the case. Addressing Mr. Hanson, he stated: “You have been found not guilty. That is the end of the case. You will hear no more about it and you are free to go.”

Speaking outside the court, Mr. Hanson described his acquittal as “a delight.”

It’s Grim up north

Ryan Thomas is reportedly set for a limited run return to Coronation Street after nearly a decade away. Ryan is making a ‘sensational comeback’ to The Street nine years since he was last seen in Weatherfield and stepping away from acting.

The actor, best known for playing Jason Grimshaw in the long-running ITV Granada saga, has agreed to a brief return to bid farewell to his on-screen mother, Eileen played by Sue Cleaver.

A source told The Sun: “It was a no brainer for Ryan to return when he was asked – it’s all for Sue. She’s like a second mum to him and he was willing to do anything to make her send off as special as she deserves it to be. He’s not acted for a while so it’s a bit daunting, but he played Jason for so long that he’s looking forward to going back to the cobbles.”

The tabloid reports Ryan will begin filming later this month.

What The Hell Just Happened?

That might be what we’re all asking after this year’s Eurovision, but hopefully not. 2025 will see Remember Monday representing the United Kingdom at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025 with their song What The Hell Just Happened?

Comprising of Charlotte, Holly and Lauren, Remember Monday are a trio of best friends, who have earned a reputation for their strong vocals and perfectly blended harmonies.

The band confirmed their bid for Eurovision when they appeared as guests on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Audiences tuning into The One Show on Friday 7 March from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer will be treated to the first exclusive TV interview with Remember Monday, and will get a chance to see the official music video for What The Hell Just Happened?

The song surprisingly isn’t about a visit to the BBC in the 70s and being inaptly encountered by Jimmy Savile, instead it chronicles the aftermath of a fun night out with friends, it perfectly showcases the band’s humour, relatability and their signature harmonies. The song, which is out now, is an upbeat pop track full of energy, excitement and drama.

Remember Monday co-wrote the song with Billen Ted, Thomas Stengaard and Julie ‘Kill J’ Aagaard.

Den departure

Sara Davies has announced she will step away from filming TV show Dragons’ Den for the rest of this year to focus on her own business the BBC reported this week. The series, marking twenty years on air this year, will see Sara absent from the next series.

As well as her business commitments she has also been hosting other programmes for the BBC and will soon front a new quiz for ITV. In a statement on Instagram, Davies explained her decision, saying: “I’ve taken the decision to step away from the Den for now, to focus on my own business.”

Although she won’t be filming the next series, Davies will still appear in the second half of the current season, which has already been recorded. Her statement left the door open for a possible return in the future, though the BBC has yet to confirm her replacement.

Reflecting on her time on the show, she expressed her passion for the role, adding: “Being a Dragon requires so much dedication and time behind the scenes as you join the life of each business you invest in. It’s so much more than a TV show.”

She reiterated her commitment to her company, saying: “As a lot of you will know, I’ve taken up my position again as CEO of Crafter’s Companion, and my business is my big priority this year. When I commit to a business, I really commit, which is why I find Dragons’ Den such a rewarding role.” Davies concluded by confirming she won’t be filming with the team for the next series, emphasising that Crafter’s Companion remains her top priority.

In the showbiz departure lounge this week…

We said goodbye to Pamela Bach, the former Baywatch actress and ex-wife of David Hasselhoff, who died aged 62.

The views expressed are of Judi Dentures and not ATV Today. Penelope Teeth, Judi Dentures and Joanna Gumley are ATV’s exclusive showbiz drag queens with bite.