Dancing On Ice39s Stephen Mulhern is prepped in a hilarious

Dancing On Ice's Stephen Mulhern is prepped in a hilarious protective costume as he returns to perform alongside contestant Ricky Hatton after the boxer PUNCHED sent the host to the floor

Dancing On Ice presenter Stephen Mulhern returned for a second round with contestant Ricky Hatton on Sunday's episode of the show after the retired boxer “beat” the presenter on the show last week.

Viewers were left in hysterics after Ricky, 45, took aim at Stephen, 46, sending him flying off his feet during the series premiere.

Last week Holly Willoughby, 42, was back on TV almost three months after learning of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder, with Stephen making his debut as a replacement for Phillip Schofield.

In one segment, Stephen was seen making faces in front of the camera, prompting Holly to exclaim: “Please just hit him,” and the boxer did just that, dropping him to the ground.

This week, Stephen made sure he was prepared when he returned to stand next to Ricky in the studio in a protective, padded costume.

Dancing On Ice viewers were left in hysterics after former boxer and show contestant Ricky (R) Hatton punched Stephen Mulhern (C) (pictured with Holly Willoughby) during Sunday's premiere.

Dancing On Ice viewers were left in hysterics after former boxer and show contestant Ricky (R) Hatton punched Stephen Mulhern (C) (pictured with Holly Willoughby) during Sunday's premiere.

Shocked by the sheer force, Holly gasped and threw her hands over her mouth as Ricky checked on Stephen, who was lying on the floor off camera.

The new series saw Holly Willoughby return to television almost three months after learning of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as a replacement for Phillip Schofield

The new series saw Holly Willoughby return to television almost three months after learning of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as a replacement for Phillip Schofield

On

While a second joked: “Mulhern definitely needed that punch from Hatton.”

And: “Haha great”.

While another wrote: “Stephen will sue Ricky Hatton over this punch.”

It was later announced that Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone will be the first couple to take on the dreaded Skate Off, which will take place next week.

He received just 12.5 points from judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse, putting them at the bottom of the leaderboard.

Ricky wore a boxing outfit and knee pads as he reenacted boxing moves on the ice and did push-ups with his skating partner Robin to the Rocky movie theme “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti.

Judge Ashley described his performance as “iconic” and added he could be proud of the audience's reaction.

“Please just hit him,” Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that, sending the 46-year-old TV personality flying off her feet

“Please just hit him,” Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that, sending the 46-year-old TV personality flying off her feet

The former This Morning presenter then jokingly cheered into the camera

The former This Morning presenter then jokingly cheered into the camera

1705865068 302 Dancing On Ice39s Stephen Mulhern is prepped in a hilarious 1705865070 191 Dancing On Ice39s Stephen Mulhern is prepped in a hilarious 1705865072 572 Dancing On Ice39s Stephen Mulhern is prepped in a hilarious Fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, following the incident

Fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, following the incident

Before taking to the ice, Ricky received a special message from fellow boxer Tyson Fury, wishing him good luck on the show.

Elsewhere, Greg Rutherford and his professional partner Vanessa James, who scored 24.5 out of 40 for their “Don't stop me now” routine.

Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi was lifted into a helicopter ride as she entered the ice rink for the first time.

Judge Oti praised her for a “beautiful, sensual performance” in Say Grace's “You Don't Own Me” with French ice dancer Sylvain Longchambon.

However, Mabuse said Shahidi needed to lower her shoulders to improve the look of her movements.

Boxer Ricky Hatton and his professional partner Robin Johnstone were later announced as the first couple to face the dreaded skate-off, which will take place next week

It was later announced that Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone will be the first couple to face the dreaded skate-off, which will take place next week

He received just 12.5 points from judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse, putting them at the bottom of the leaderboard

He received just 12.5 points from judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse, putting them at the bottom of the leaderboard

The audience booed Shahidi and received a total of 20 out of 40 points from the jury.

Amber Davies was next on the ice and revealed that her goal was to do better than her ex-boyfriend Kem Cetinay.

Love Island star and professional skater Simon Proulx Sénécal scored an impressive score of 25 after his performance on Kylie Minogue's Hold On To Now.

Despite a serious fall during training, she managed to impress the judges with her debut.

Jayne said: “I loved all the beautiful positions. I think that’s the best spiral I’ve seen on the ice in a long time.”

Holly made her big comeback to television alongside Stephen for the stunning new series

Holly made her big comeback to television alongside Stephen for the stunning new series

Judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse returned to the ice court for another year

Judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo and Oti Mabuse returned to the ice court for another year

Hannah Spearritt hit the ice with her professional partner Andy Buchanan and performed “Break Free” by Ariane Grande.

The former S Club 7 star received a total of 19.5 out of 40 possible points from the jury.

Judge Jaye Torvill said: “Well done for doing such difficult exercises.”

She added: “We need to see more of just skating.” “It's improving but you could do more.”

Former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas completed the show, securing top spot on the leaderboard with a score of 26.5.

Oti told the actor: 'Ryan Thomas, I didn't expect that.' That was absolutely brilliant.'

After the performance he said: “You just have to focus on getting the job, but we're really done.”

DANCING ON ICE: MEET THE 2024 PARTICIPANTS

RICKY HATTON

Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION: Former professional boxer

WHAT DID HE SAY? “If I can keep my nerve in the boxing ring, I should be able to keep my nerve in the rink.”

HANNAH SPEARRITT

1705178069 830 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 42

PROFESSION: SINGER

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I'm really looking forward to learning a new skill. “It's so easy to live a comfortable life and that aspect of variety is very appealing.”

GREG RUTHERFORD

1705178070 826 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 36

PROFESSION: Athlete

WHAT DID HE SAY? “I like challenges and I needed a reason to go out and do things again and here we are.” “I want to perform something that hasn't been done before, that's my goal.”

Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

1705178072 142 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 59

OCCUPATION: OLYMPIC SKI JUMPER

WHAT DID HE SAY? “Dancing on Ice is a show I've always wanted to do. “It's a challenge that I think I'll enjoy!”

RICKY NORWOOD

1705178074 739 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 40

OCCUPATION: EastEnders star

WHAT DID HE SAY? “It comes at such a great time in life.” I can’t skate at all! “No rehearsals yet, I just did physical therapy to strengthen the body.”

RYAN THOMAS

1705178076 829 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 39

OCCUPATION: Corrie star

WHAT DID HE SAY? “Everyone keeps asking me, 'Are you doing this?' I've told everyone!'

CLAIRE SWEENEY

1705178078 772 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 52

OCCUPATION: ACTRESS

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I'm entering the unknown here.” I don't know how I'll feel. But I'm very excited.'

AMBER DAVIES

1705178079 511 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 26

OCCUPATION: WEST END STAR

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I would definitely say I'm an adrenaline junkie, but as I get older I get more and more nervous and I hope I can keep it in check.”

MILES NAZAIRE

1705178081 991 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 27

PROFESSION: REALITY STAR

WHAT DID HE SAY? “I’ve always loved dancing but it’s usually on the dance floor on a Saturday night and Dancing on Ice looks so difficult.”

LOU SANDERS

1705178083 983 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 37

PROFESSION: COMEDIAN

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I'm afraid of hitting my head, or just smashing my old head in.” “I can't afford to lose any more brain cells.”

ADELE ROBERTS

1705178085 195 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 44

OCCUPATION: RADIO HOST

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “For me it means putting everything on hold”! I think the hardest part is putting myself out there because I usually hide.

ROXY SHAHIDI

1705178086 919 Dancing On Ice39s Amber Davies admits she is still in

AGE: 40

OCCUPATION: Emmerdale star

WHAT DID SHE SAY? “I can’t skate. I haven't actually said anything to anyone, but mostly because I'm so nervous about it!'