'Dancing On Ice is a chance to be positive': Christine Bleakley looks to the future with new roll

By J J Anisiobi

Last updated at 2:42 PM on 9th December 2011

After getting the boot from ITV's flagship morning show Christine Bleakley is looking forward to a new role.

The former host of The One Show will be taking over from Holly Willoughby for the next series of Dancing On Ice and see's it as a chance to be hopeful again.

Speaking to Woman's Own magazine she explained what a difference the show will make to her.

The futures bright: Christine Bleakley is looking forward to hosting Dancing On Ice

She said: 'It's a real pleasure and an honour to think of the new year in a positive way.'

Christine, 32, is especially looking forward to working with silver haired TV legend Philip Schofield.

She added: 'Phil is lovely - I've watched This Morning since I was no age and he's a bit of a god in the telly world.'

Out with the old: Christine and Holly catch up at a football match earlier this year

The new pairing will get the chance to gel together when they present Text Santa starting next week.

Philip, 49, said: 'The show is packed with content, it wont be just Christine and I standing there holding the fort ourselves, there will be so much going on.

The programme, which kicks of on December 11, is set to celebrate the spirit of goodwill and good fortune at Christmas.

The end of the show: Adrian Chiles and Christine said bye to the viewers earlier this week

Christine was humiliated earlier this month when it was announced she would be leaving failing ITV show Daybreak a month early.

And it seems there was no love lost between Christine Bleakley, Adrian Chiles and the morning programme as the duo left the series this morning with virtually no fanfare.

Bleakley added at the end of her final show: 'That is just about it from us, good luck and have a great Christmas. Bye bye.'

The legend: Mark Wright with TV 'god' Philip Schofield and Holly on This Morning

For the full interview see Woman's Own magazine, out now.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2071898/Christine-Bleakley-looks-future-new-Dancing-On-Ice-role.html#ixzz1g5HIlJCZ

Adrian Chiles' curt farewell as he and Miss Bleakley exit Daybreak with little fanfare

'I'm off to concentrate on the football and Christine has been put on ice': Adrian Chiles' curt farewell as he and Miss Bleakley exit Daybreak with little fanfare

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 12:37 PM on 5th December 2011


They were left humiliated earlier this month when it was announced they would be leaving failing ITV show Daybreak a month early.

And it seems there was no love lost between Christine Bleakley, Adrian Chiles and the morning programme as the duo left the series this morning with virtually no fanfare.

With just a minute to go before the end of the show, the pair bid farewell to their viewers with a short goodbye message.

Exit: Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley clutch bouquets following their final show on Daybreak

From the beginning, to the end: The pair on their first Daybreak show last year, and on their farewell show today

Chiles said: 'As you may or may not know, this is our last show. As a leaving present, I'm taking my funny animal clips clipboard with me!

'We'd just like to say thanks a million to the rest of the on-air team. Dan, Kate, Dr Hilary, Sue, Cordelia, Gav, Richard, showbiz Steve, Phil, Lucy, Tasmin, all of you.'

Bleakley added: 'And especially to all of our production staff who work far harder than any of us here as well. That is just about it from us, good luck and have a great Christmas. Bye bye.'

Referring to Bleakley being signed up as the new presenter of Dancing On Ice, Chiles then added: 'I'm off to concentrate on the football and Christine's been put on ice in the New Year, in the best possible way.'

Was that it? With just a minute to go before the end of the show, Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles bid farewell to Daybreak viewers on their final programme

Still smiling: Chiles joked that he would take his 'funny animal clips' clipboard with him as Bleakley laughed

The pair's exit from the show was confirmed in November after the show had struggled to improve on the audience for its predecessor GMTV. It was widely thought that the audience failed to warm to the two hosts, who launched the show last year.

Smiling through: Bleakley appeared in good spirits as she left the studios after the show

But 32-year-old Bleakley, who is engaged to Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard, said she had discovered the silver lining of being dismissed from the show, saying she is relishing the prospect of enjoying her evenings again, instead of going to bed early.

She said: 'I won't miss the 3am starts, I'm going to be honest with you. Or going to bed early either - probably that even more than getting up!

'It will be nice to let my hair down a bit more and enjoy life more now that time schedules will be different and I don't have to get up at 3am midweek. So I might start going out more midweek and enjoy my evenings again.'

Another silver lining of her departure is that Bleakley will receive a generous payout of £283,000 to help soften the blow

ITV have said that both presenters will focus on other 'peak-time commitments' on the channel.

Chiles's priority will be his role as anchor for live football coverage, FA Cup action, England internationals and the Uefa Champions League. His series That Sunday Night Show will also return for a third run next year.

Their departure will be seen as a huge embarrassment for all concerned after the pair left BBC1's One Show in the summer of last year in what was seen at the time to be a huge coup for ITV.

The pair had won plaudits for their on-screen chemistry on The One Show and it was hoped they would recreate the magic in their new roles.

The new presenters of Daybreak have yet to be announced, however Natasha Kaplinsky and Eamonn Holmes have emerged as frontrunners to take up the vacant roles.

Friends forever: Bleakley and Chiles, who appeared to be unaware he had his flies unddone, will no doubt remain friends following the Daybreak debacle

Bittersweet: After the show, Bleakley and Chiles headed to the pub for a drink with Daybreak's Kate Garraway and Dan Lobb

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2070103/Daybreak-Christine-Bleakley-Adrian-Chiles-exit-little-fanfare.html#ixzz1fgvquVil

will.i.am joins Jessie J as the second coach on The Voice

Don't Phunk With My Rules! will.i.am joins Jessie J as the second coach on The Voice

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 2:39 PM on 2nd December 2011

He's already flirted with UK television viewers, joining Cheryl Cole on The X Factor to co-judge last year.

And now will.i.am will venture onto screens this side of the Atlantic again to star on the hotly-anticipated The Voice.

The Black Eyed Peas star is the second coach to be confirmed on the reality series, alongside Jessie J and two as of yet unnamed celebrities.

Reality TV king: will.i.am is to become a UK household name after signing up for the British version of The Voice

The rapper said: 'I'm proud to be doing The Voice UK because the UK was the first place I saw success.

'It’s the place I'm the most creative outside of home.'

BBC One Controller Danny Cohen added: 'I am thrilled that will.i.am has signed up to be a coach on The Voice.

'He is a huge star who will bring a unique creativity to the show.'

The show, due to broadcast on BBC One in spring 2012, will be presented by This Morning beauty Holly Willoughby, 30, and Reggie Yates, 28.

Hitting UK shores: will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas will join Jessie J as a coach

However, the former Dancing On Ice host is unlikely to please her bosses at ITV as she joins forces with the rival channel.

When The Voice was launched in the US this year it was marketed as a rival to The X Factor, which is broadcast on Holly's current employer ITV.

Speculation was rife last week when it was announced Willoughby would not be returning to the skating series this winter, with axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley taking her place.

New gig: Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates have been announced the hosts of new talent show The Voice

Holly refused to be drawn on the rumours that she had signed on for The Voice gig, telling fans instead that all will be revealed 'next week.'

When she eventually released a statement, she said: 'I’m so excited to be hosting The Voice.

'When it launched in America I watched one of the shows and thought it was just a fantastic format, and when I heard it was coming to the UK I thought to myself how incredible it would be to be a part of it.

X Factor's new rival: Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are the celebrity mentors on the US version of The Voice

Mentor: Jessie J is the first singer confirmed to be playing judge and coach

'It’s going to be one rollercoaster of a ride and I can’t wait to get started!'

Her co-host Yates added: 'I’m so delighted to get this job and be part of such a credible music show.

'The format of The Voice in America has worked brilliantly and I have no doubt it will be just as successful on British TV. '

Leaving: Last week it was announced that Holly will be not returning to Dancing On Ice this season

The US show stars Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton as mentors who blindly select and judge the contestants based solely on their voice.

Jessie J has been confirmed as the first celebrity coach for the UK version.

Last week Holly wishes her successor well following the announcement that she was leaving Dancing On Ice.

Skating in her shoes: Axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley was announced as her replacement

Willougby tweeted: 'Good luck to Christine Bleakley on this years Dancing on Ice. It's a truely (sic) magical show and you will love it. I'll miss you all very much!'

Bleakley said: 'My only concern was what a big task it is to follow the brilliant Holly and I can only promise her, Phillip and everyone at home that they couldn't have a bigger fan of the show on board.'

Schofield said he was 'absolutely delighted' that Bleakley was joining the show which was won last year by ex-EastEnders actor Sam Attwater.

Staying put: Holly will continue duties on This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069089/The-Voice-Will-joins-Jessie-J-second-coach.html#ixzz1fVPvbIUU

Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates sign on as hosts of BBC's new X Factor rival The Voice

By Andrea Magrath

Last updated at 6:54 PM on 23rd November 2011

Her bosses at ITV are unlikely to be thrilled.

Holly Willoughby has been confirmed as one of the hosts of the BBC's new singing competition The Voice.

The presenter, 30, will be joined by Radio 1 host Reggie Yates, 28, when the series launches in Spring 2012.

New gig: Holly Willoughby and Reggie Yates have been announced the hosts of new talent show The Voice

When The Voice was launched in the US this year it was marketed as a rival to The X Factor, which is broadcast on Holly's current employer ITV.

Speculation was rife last week when it was announced that Willoughby would not be returning to Dancing On Ice this winter, with axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley taking her place.

Holly refused to be drawn on the rumours that she had signed on for The Voice gig, telling fans instead that all will be revealed 'next week.'

X Factor's new rival: Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are the celebrity mentors on the US version of The Voice

Mentor: Jessie J is the first singer confirmed to be playing judge and coach to the contestants

The anticipated announcement arrived today, with Holly thrilled to finally be able to share the news.

In a statement, Willoughby said: 'I’m so excited to be hosting The Voice. When it launched in America I watched one of the shows and thought it was just a fantastic format, and when I heard it was coming to the UK I thought to myself how incredible it would be to be a part of it.

It’s going to be one roller coaster of a ride and I can’t wait to get started!'

Her co-host Yates added: 'I’m so delighted to get this job and be part of such a credible music show.

Leaving: Last week it was announced that Holly will be not returning to Dancing On Ice this season

'The format of The Voice in America has worked brilliantly and I have no doubt it will be just as successful on British TV. '

The US show stars Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton as mentors who blindly select and judge the contestants based solely on their voice.

Jessie J has been confirmed as the first celebrity coach for the UK version.

Last week Holly wishes her successor well following the announcement that she was leaving Dancing On Ice.

Skating in her shoes: Axed Daybreak host Christine Bleakley was announced as her replacement

Willougby tweeted: 'Good luck to Christine Bleakley on this years Dancing on Ice. It's a truely (sic) magical show and you will love it. I'll miss you all very much!'

Bleakley said: 'My only concern was what a big task it is to follow the brilliant Holly and I can only promise her, Phillip and everyone at home that they couldn't have a bigger fan of the show on board.'

Schofield said he was 'absolutely delighted' that Bleakley was joining the show which was won last year by ex-EastEnders actor Sam Attwater.

Warm welcome: Schofield tweeted about the unexpected announcement

Farewell: Holly wished her successor all the best

It was criticised for battling to match the GMTV audience in its early stages and has consistently pulled in fewer viewers than its BBC1 rival Breakfast.

ITV Director of Television, Peter Fincham said: 'Dancing on Ice continues to be one of ITV1’s most successful entertainment hits and I’m delighted that Christine will be joining Phillip Schofield to host next year’s show.'

Willoughby, who is not on an exclusive contract, will continue working with Schofield on This Morning and her duties on ITV2's Celebrity Juice, but has 'other commitments' over the winter season, a statement released by the network said.

Staying put: The bubbly presenter will continue her duties on This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2065179/The-Voice-Holly-Willoughby-Reggie-Yates-sign-hosts-BBCs-X-Factor-rival.html#ixzz1eYjBqkvV

Dancing On Ice 2012: Jason Gardiner or Emma Bunton to be replaced by Louie Spence?

November 23rd, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.

Dancing On Ice kicks off in less than two months, but two members of it’s judging panel have not yet been offered a contract for their return.
The Sun claims that neither Emma Bunton or Jason Gardiner have been asked to come back to the show and that ITV bosses are considering replacing one of the experts with Pineapple Dance Studios star Louie Spence.
If true, the move will cause a lot of awkwardness between the celebrities, as Louie is close pals with both the former Spice Girl and the dance expert.

Former British champion skater Robin Cousins is said to have already agreed a deal, which will see him appearing on the 2012 series, however though both Emma and Jason have held talks with producers, none has yet been guaranteed their spot on the panel.
“This year’s judging line-up is being taken to the wire.
“Producers want to refresh things and Jason and Emma look the most vulnerable.
“The show has been running for several years and like all ITV shows they are overhauled occasionally to keep viewers interested.”
Emma Bunton seems most likely top be axed, as she has no real ice skating or dance experience and has only appeared on the show for two series’. In 2010 she replaced Karen Barber, who went on to become head coach of the celebrity contestants.

Bosses may want rid of Jason though, as he is an OFCOM investigation magnet all on his own. Last year more than 3,500 people complained to the channel about vicious comments he made to Karen on air. In 2009 the regulatory body were also called in to investigate the show, after the star Gardiner branded Roxanne Pallet a “Cabbage Patch doll” and compared Ellery Hanley to “Mr. Potato Head”.
Dancing On Ice returns in January and will reportedly feature stars such as Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment, Eastenders actress Laila Morse, Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden, Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Sugababes singer Heidi Range.

This year’s show will also have a different host, after it was revealed that Holly Willoughby will not be ch-presenting with Phillip Schofield as usual. instead the Silver Fox will be joined by disgraced Daybreak star Christine Bleakley.
It is claimed that Holly will go on to work on BBC’s The Voice.
Are you looking forward to Dancing On Ice’s return? Will you watch without Jason or Emma or even Holly?

Dancing On Ice 2012: Contestants lineup revealed?

November 12th, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.

Dancing On Ice is still two months away, but already we have a fair idea of who will be competing on the ITV show.
The channel will allow us all a few weeks break from reality TV after the end of The X Factor this Christmas, but soon into the new year they will foist the seventh series of their ice skating show onto our Sunday nights.
They appear to have gathered up a pretty decent bunch of celebrities for next year’s run too and for once, we recognise the names of almost every star rumoured to be taking part….all except for the token sportsman!


Check out the rumoured list of Dancing On Ice contestants below.
Brookside star Jennifer Ellison
Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment
Eastenders actress Laila Morse
Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden
Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter
Sugababes star Heidi Range
TV funnyman Keith Chegwin
Blue Peter star Andy Akinwolere
Ex-Spurs goalie Ian Walker
Fitness queen Rosemary Conley
Jude Law’s ex Sadie Frost
Skiing champion Chemmy Alcott
90′s pop heart throb Chesney Hawkes

Is BBC Breakfast's Sian Williams next in line for Daybreak sofa?

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 6:09 PM on 22nd November 2011

She has co-hosted the BBC Breakfast programme for the last six years.

But Sian Williams could soon be sitting on ITV's Daybreak sofa if the station's executives have their way.

Ms Williams, who will be 47 next Monday, has been approached by the BBC's biggest rivals to take over from Christine Bleakly, it has been reported.

Ms Bleakley, and current Daybreak co-presenter Adrian Chiles, are leaving the show due to poor ratings.

From Breakfast to Daybreak? BBC presenter Sian Williams has been reportedly approached by rivals ITV to take over from axed Christine Bleakly

ITV bosses were said to have targeted Ms Williams because of her success in anchoring the BBC breakfast programme.

She is also said to be unhappy about relocating to Manchester and the BBC's Salford centre.


If Ms Williams took up the offer and switched channel, she could expect a far higher salary at ITV - despite the economic downturn.

Chiles and Bleakley together netted £2.8million-a-year when they first joined the Daybreak last year.

On the red sofa: Ms Williams has presented BBC Breakfast for six years, first alongside Dermot Murnaghan and now with Bill Turnbull, left

Ms Williams, who has three sons and a daughter, has been a fixture of BBC Breakfast since 2005.

She presented first alongside Dermot Murnaghan before Bill Turnbull stepped into the role.

It would be a major coup if ITV were successful in luring Ms Williams away.

Brave face: Current Daybreak presenters Adrian Chiles, left, and Christine Bleakley, right, are leaving the show due to poor ratings

Wake up! Chiles and Bleakley were both poached from the BBC's One Show last year to present the now ailing breakfast programme

Viewing figures for Daybreak fell to 700,000 under Chiles and Bleakley, while BBC Breakfast currently attracts more than 1.5 million viewers.

One of Ms Williams' colleague said: 'ITV want someone who is equally at home grilling major figures as well as handling the more trivial topics that light up the early morning viewing.

'They believe they may be able to tempt her to join them because her life revolves around London and the BBC programme team is due to move to Salford in the not too distant future.'

A spokesman for BBC Breakfast said: 'This is a personal matter for her.'

Meanwhile Eamonn Holmes has fuelled rumours he could be set to take over from Childs on the Daybreak show.

The TV presenter, 51, admitted he'd like to be considered.

Chiles and Bleakley 'axed from Daybreak' as breakfast show is a ratings flop

• Bleakley to replace Holly Willoughby on Dancing On Ice

By Paul Revoir

Last updated at 1:51 PM on 19th November 2011


Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley have been axed from ITV breakfast show Daybreak, it was reported last night.

The pair, who were heralded as the stars of morning TV when they defected from the BBC last year on £1million-a-year deals, are set to leave ‘within weeks’, it is understood.

Their appearance on Daybreak has failed to capture the public’s imagination.

Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles joined ITV in a blaze of publicity last year on £1 million-a-year deals

The programme has struggled to get ratings beyond 700,000 viewers – fewer than its predecessor GMTV.

The move comes after the show recently appointed a new editor and as channel bosses plan for a major revamp in the new year.


It is understood that both Bleakley, 32, who is engaged to footballer Frank Lampard, and Chiles, 44, have been told of the decision. Last night ITV refused to deny the claims that the pair would be leaving the show, which had a £15million launch last September.

A senior source at the commercial broadcaster said: ‘Do we want to be running a show where we are happy being No 2? No, we don’t.’

Christine Bleakley's WAG lifestyle was unpopular with viewers

Adrian Chiles will continue to present ITV's football coverage

Daybreak gets about half the number of viewers as its rival, BBC Breakfast.

Another source said: ‘They ran out of time. The advertising numbers had fallen off a cliff because Adrian and Christine were such a turn-off. In today’s climate, that was unacceptable.’

It is not known whether ITV will opt for big names or unknowns as replacement presenters.

According to the report, Chiles, who is also the broadcaster’s main presenter for its football coverage, had accepted that he had been dropped from the show.

Axed: It is understood the presenting pair have been informed of the decision they would both be leaving the show

But co-host Miss Bleakley, whose WAG lifestyle was said to have been a turn-off for viewers, is reportedly asking for it to be presented as if she is leaving for new projects.

It comes as ITV announced that Miss Bleakley would replace Holly Willoughby in co-presenting Dancing On Ice with Phillip Schofield, after the This Morning host signed up to present the BBC’s new singing talent show, The Voice.

Bleakley, seen here with footballer fiancee Frank Lampard, will replace Holly Willoughby as presenter of Dancing On Ice in January

It is hoped a new role for Miss Bleakley will give her a chance to reinvent herself and prove she is a valuable member of ITV’s stable of talent.

ITV bosses have hired former BBC Breakfast editor David Kermode to be the show’s new editor, and it is expected other staff will lose their jobs.

No laughing matter: Daybreak only gets around half the viewers of its breakfast rival on BBC

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2063511/Daybreak-ratings-flop-Adrian-Chiles-Christine-Bleakley-axed-ITV-breakfast-show.html#ixzz1eAwHjRU2

Look how similar (and strikingly different) these celebrity families really are

Lesser spotted siblings: Their looks are familiar but their lives are VERY different

By Claire Cisotti

Last updated at 1:49 PM on 14th November 2011

'Do you know who you look a bit like...' might be a question these celebrity siblings hear often. But while their brother or sisters are earning millions and travelling the globe these lesser spotted siblings have very different lives.

Here we show how similar (and strikingly different) these celebrity families really are...

There but by the grace of God... They may seem worlds apart, but Cheryl Cole and half sister Gillian Tweedy are both knockouts when crossed. Cheryl was convicted of assault in 2003 and Gillian was bound over for a 2002 pub brawl

In the money: While Christine Bleakley earns a fortune on ITV1's Daybreak, little sister Nicole is a bank manager and lost 7st to become Slimmer Of The Year in 2004

Jolie different: Former photo-journalist Doug Pitt, eight years Brad's senior, devotes himself to higher causes than Hollywood by helping underprivileged U.S. schoolchildren

Double trouble? There's a striking resemblance between Graeme Rooney, 24, and elder brother Wayne, 26. But while Wayne is one of football's highest paid stars and drives a £137,000 Bentley, Graeme has to make do with a £12.5k Ford Ka (though it was a gift from Wayne)

Lo-profile: Lynda Lopez, 40, is not as instantly recognisable as older popstar sister J-Lo, 42, but she has built a successful career as an Emmy Award-winning U.S. TV journalist

Bo-Jo's bro Jo: Same blonde hair, same toothy grin - and same line of work. Jo Johnson, sibling No 4 in the Johnson family, was elected Conservative MP for Orpington in 2010

Big bruisers: When Lord Prescott failed his 11-plus, he also lost the reward of a bicycle from his father. Little brother Ray passed the exam a year later, got the bike and joined the RAF

Millers’ tale: While sister Sienna, 29, is a screen star, mum-of-two Savannah, 32, has designs on a low-key approach, working on the family Twenty8Twelve label

Mismatch of the day: Two years younger than football's Gary, 50, Wayne runs Lineker's bars in Spain, which shamelessly trade on his elder brother's fame

Talent contest: Big sister Amanda, 40, made her TV debut on Blind Date (she wasn't picked). Model Debbie Holden forged a more low-key career, featuring in shampoo ads

Close bond: Property millionaire Nick Cowell had a lavish 007-themed party for his 50th this year: And what did big brother Simon come as? Blofeld of course

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2061179/Cheryl-Cole-Brad-Pitt-Jennifer-Lopez-lesser-spotted-siblings.html#ixzz1dhESPSdt