ITV viewers were left in hysterics after legendary boxer Ricky Hatton punched Stephen Mulhern during Sunday night's premiere of Dancing on Ice.
In the first episode of the 2024 series, Holly Willoughby returned to our screens three months after she gave up her This Morning stint having learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
Stephen Mulhern presented alongside her, making his debut as Phillip Schofield's replacement.
The newcomer left fans in hysterics with one sketch where he was punched by one of the contestants and flew across the room.
Hatton was asked to hold a microphone for the host
ITV
Hatton was asked to hold a microphone for the host and was made the butt of the joke as Mulhern pulled faces for the camera and audience at home.
This left Hatton miffed, prompting Willoughby to joke: "'Please just hit him."
The boxer took her up on the idea and sent the TV personality flying off his feet.
Willoughby looked shocked as she gasped and threw her hands to her mouth as Hatton checked on Mulhern, who lay on the floor off camera.
Stephen flew across the room after he was punched
ITV
Fans instantly flocked to social media to share their surprise and hilarity at the scene.
One person said: "Hahahaha I have to say well done Ricky Hatton. Laughing so hard over that punch."
Another penned: "Mulhern defo needed that punch by Hatton." A third simply said: "Haha class."
Whilst a different person joked: "Stephen is going to sue Ricky Hatton for that punch."
Holly was left in shock
ITV
It was later revealed on the show that Ricky Hatton and his partner Robin Johnstone were the first pair to face the dance-off this year.
They will be skating again next week after being scored at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 12.5 points from judges.
For his performance, the skating star wore knee pads and referenced boxing moves on the ice.
He did press-ups to the Rocky movie theme tune Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti with his skating partner Robin.
