Dancing on Ice set to return in 2021 'with a bumper budget'

\'Dancing on Ice\' will return in 2021 with a bumper budget.

The ITV skating competition - which is presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby - is poised to return to TV screens next year, with the broadcaster determined to hire some top talent for the new series, despite ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

A source told The Sun Online: "It\'s full steam ahead for next year\'s show and casting is already well underway.

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"The professional skaters will be meeting potential celebrity partners on the ice next month to see how they pair up.

"It takes some time to get the celebs up to speed so they\'ll spend a lot of time on the ice to make sure they\'re definitely keen to go ahead. It\'s only after this that they\'ll be confirmed.

"All training will be done safely and with the teams abiding by social distancing rules."

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The most-recent series of the long-running show - which was won by actor Joe Swash - was a hit with TV viewers.

And ITV is determined to secure some big-name stars in 2021 to ensure they build on the momentum.

The insider shared: "ITV have taken a hit like all the broadcasters so they\'re pumping cash into the show in a bid to make it a real ratings winner again.

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"The budget for talent has been inflated so they can splash out on a couple of really big names.

"\'Dancing on Ice\' has increased in popularity over the years and now it\'s picked up a real following, they want to keep the momentum high."