Dancing on Ice has been left facing an uncertain future as it approaches its 2025 finale, according to the damning verdict of former contestant Brendan Cole and fears of current finalist Sam Aston.
The skating competition, which first premiered in 2006, has seen a steady decline in viewership in recent years.
Last year's series hit a record low when just 2.9 million viewers tuned in for one episode, down 700,000 from the 3.6 million who watched the season opener.
The 2025 series has fared even worse - with the launch show only attracting 2.4 million viewers by the fifth episode, according to The Mirror.
Dancing on Ice is reportedly losing viewers ahead of Sunday's final
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Former contestant Brendan Cole has been critical of the show, suggesting it may have run its course.
"The show is the same format, they haven't really changed anything. I thought they might try and change the format and make it a little different," he stated via Betway Casino.
Cole, who competed in 2022, compared Dancing on Ice unfavourably to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
"When I watch the choreography I think there's something missing, something that Strictly has. Strictly has maintained a high standard and pushed boundaries," he said.
Cole delivered a damning verdict of Dancing on Ice
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If Dancing on Ice is to survive, significant changes may be needed according to Brendan Cole.
"I want to see groundbreaking stuff, so maybe they need to find contestants that can achieve that," he suggested.
Cole also highlighted the numerous injuries and dropouts this year as problematic.
"We've already seen everything, so there needs to be more excitement somehow," he added.
The former Strictly professional believes the show needs "more grit" from judges and contestants capable of pushing boundaries.
Aston expressed concern over the long-running show ending
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Coronation Street star Aston, who will compete in Sunday's final with pro skater Molly Lanaghan, has addressed the rumours of the show's potential axing
"It would be a massive shame but obviously the show has been going on for a long time. There's nothing else like it," he told the Mirror.
Despite the speculation, Aston remains optimistic about the programme's future. "If it is the end, what a privilege to have been part of the final series. But I don't personally see it going anywhere," the actor added.
The 31-year-old described his time on the show as a "once in a lifetime experience".
Sunday's final will see Aston compete against Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan and retired footballer Anton Ferdinand.
