Phillip Schofield was left ecstatic within seconds of hosting Dancing on Ice on Sunday, due to a big change of rules on the show for 2022.
Since its return to screens after a four year hiatus in 2018, the ITV programme has proven a hit with viewers and in the ratings, meaning expectations were high for its return this weekend.
And Phillip and his co-presenter Holly Willoughby, who wowed in a stunning pale blue dress, were full of smiles as they appeared rink side following a fantastic opening number from the Dancing on Ice professionals.
Looking around him at a packed studio, Phillip remarked: "It's so good to have an audience back! We've missed you."
READ MORE: John Barrowman's 'controversial' Dancing on Ice exit explained
Last year, recorded applause and cheering was used to try and will the contestants on as coronavirus restrictions meant that their friends and family and fans couldn't be in the studio.
As very real whoops and cheers filled the air in the studio from those in attendance on Sunday night, Holly added: "Awww that feels so good!"
Viewers at home weren't quite so enamoured with an audience being there, with one taking to Twitter to remark: "Whenever I catch a glimpse of 'Dancing on Ice' it is always accompanied by inane clapping. Are the audience made up of performing monkeys?" and another tweeting: "I wish the audience wouldn’t clap during a performance on Dancing on Ice
After kicking off things with a brief introduction, Phillip and Holly welcomed the judging panel to the rink, with one notable absentee.
While Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo are all back for another series, John Barrowman is not, with him being replaced by Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse.
Confirming his departure from the Dancing on Ice panel last year, an ITV spokesperson said: “We thank John Barrowman for two brilliant years on the Dancing on Ice panel and are pleased to be working with him again as host of the forthcoming All Star Musicals specials”.
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