ITV confirmed the show would not be returning in a statement last night

DISTRAUGHT Dancing on Ice fans have already made their attempts to change the show’s future after it was confirmed the show had been axed.

The Sun revealed yesterday how ITV bosses had pulled the plug on the show and decided not to commission a brand new series to air next year.

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Dancing on Ice has officially come to an endCredit: Rex

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A petition to save the show has so far seen lacklustre interestCredit: Rex
There had been rumours swirling for weeks that the ice-skating contest would be given the boot after bringing in its lowest-ever ratings and increasing criticism over its tired format.

However, for some viewers, it was still their favourite show on television.

In a bid to change its fortunes, heartbroken fans have already created an official petition, registered with change.org, in order to bring the programme back.

They have appealed to ITV and programme makers Lifted Entertainment in order to reconsider their decision and bring the show back as normal next January.

But hopes of the petition getting very far are slim-to-none after a dismal turnout.

So far, the petition has amassed a grand total of FIVE signatures.

Despite being pushed out on social media in order to gain mass public appeal, the petitions makers have so far been unable to get out of the atrocious single figure mark.

In a description as to why they had launched the petition and in a bid to recruit more supporters, one Dancing on Ice superfan said: “As an impassioned viewer and fan of Dancing On Ice, it personally distresses me to learn about ITV’s decision to axe this beloved show.

“Despite the cost required to produce such a spectacle – millions of pounds, in fact – the return in terms of viewership engagement, audience happiness, and cultural enrichment cannot be measured solely in monetary terms.”

Clearly rattled by the news, they continued: “It is crucial to understand that Dancing On Ice’s imminent cancellation heralds the end of a much cherished ITV show before its 20th anniversary, a milestone it richly deserves to reach.
Watch the emotional moment Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean END TV skating career on ‘axed’ Dancing on Ice
“This decision jeopardises what has come to be known as “The Greatest Show On Ice,” loved and eagerly awaited by millions of viewers week after week.

“Axing Dancing On Ice is not merely cancelling a television show, it is letting down its loyal viewership and removing a source of joy from their lives.

“Let us implore ITV to reconsider their decision. Let’s fight for the continuation of this cultural phenomenon that, over the years, has united us over our love for skating and the arts.

“Let’s save Dancing On Ice.”

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Less than 10 people signed the petition to bring the show back upon its launchCredit: Rex

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The Sun were the first to reveal that it had been axedCredit: Rex
Despite failing to generate virtually any interest, the petition remains open.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed the news that the show would not be handed another series last night.

They said: “Following another successful series earlier this year, Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the cast and crew who have worked on the show since 2006, and over the previous 17 series, for all of their hard work both on and off the ice.

The move leaves host Holly Willoughby with no work on the channel for the first time in 21 years.

Show panellists Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean announced earlier in the year that the last series would mark their final skate on the show ahead of a farewell arena tour.

In addition, long-serving pro skaters like Brendyn Hatfield and Mark Hanretty announced they wouldn’t be returning to the ice.

Host Holly Willoughby even dropped a massive clue the show was being rested when she signed off in the final by saying “see you next time” rather than “next year”.

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The show first hit ITV in 2006Credit: Rex