Dancing On Ice's Stephen Mulhern comes prepared in hilarious protective costume as he returns to show alongside contestant Ricky Hatton after boxer PUNCHED host to ground

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Dancing On Ice host Stephen Mulhern returned for a second round with contestant Ricky Hatton during Sunday’s episode of the show after the retired boxer punched the presenter during last week’s show.

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

Last week saw Holly Willoughby, 42, back on TV, almost three months after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as Phillip Schofield’s replacement.

During one segment, Stephen was seen pulling faces for the camera, prompting Holly to exclaim: ‘Please just hit him,’ and the boxer did just that, sending him plummeting to the ground.

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

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

He was seen wearing a black and white shield over his chest, along with a blue helmet and a pair of matching boxing gloves.

The broadcaster completed his look by wearing a pair of tight blue satin pants over his suit trousers.

Last week, Stephen looked stunned as he was punched on the arm by sportsman Ricky.

Shocked by the sheer force, Holly gasped throwing her hands to her mouth as Ricky checked on Stephen who was laying on the floor off camera.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer wrote last week: ‘Hahahaha I have to sy well done Ricky Hatton. Laughing so hard over that punch.’

While a second joked: ‘Mulhern defo needed that punch by Hatton.’

And: ‘Haha class.’

While another wrote: ‘Stephen is going to sue Ricky Hatton for that punch.’

The new series saw Holly Willoughby back on TV, almost three months after she learned of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, with Stephen making his debut as Phillip Schofield ‘s replacement

Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone were later announced to be the first couple facing 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, leaving them placed at bottom of the leaderboard.

Dressed in a boxing outfit, Ricky wore knee pads as he referenced boxing moves on the ice and did press-ups to Rocky movie theme tune Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti with his skating partner Robin.

Judge Ashley branded his performance ‘iconic’, while adding he should be proud of the audience’s reaction.

‘Please just hit him’ Holly quipped, and the boxer did just that sending the TV personality, 46, flying off his feet

The former This Morning presenter then joking cheered for the camera

Fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, after 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 routine to Don’t stop me now.

Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi was lifted into a helicopter move as she took to the rink for the first time.

Judge Oti praised her for a ‘beautiful sultry performance’ to You Don’t Own Me by Say Grace with French ice dancer Sylvain Longchambon.

However, Mabuse said Shahidi needed to put her shoulders down to help the look of her movements.

Ricky and his professional partner Robin Johnstone were later announced to be the first couple facing the dreaded skate off, which will take place nest week

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

The audience booed as Shahidi and were awarded a total of 20 out of 40 points by the judges.

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

The Love Island star and pro skater Simon Proulx Sénécal bagged an impressive score of 25 after performing to Hold On To Now by Kylie Minogue.

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

Jayne said: ‘I loved all the beautiful positions, I think that is the best spiral I’ve seen on the ice in a long time.’

Holly  made her grand return to TV alongside Stephen for the showstopping new series

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

Hannah Spearritt took to the ice with her professional partner Andy Buchanan, performing to Break Free by Ariane Grande.

The former S Club 7 star was given a total of 19.5 out of a possible 40 points by the judges.

Judge Jaye Torvill said: ‘Well done for doing such difficult lifts.’

She added: ‘We need to see more of the basic skating. It is improving but you could do more.’

Former Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas closed the show and bagged the top spot on the leaderboard with 26.5.

Oti told the actor: ‘Ryan Thomas I did not expect that. That was absolutely brilliant.’

Speaking after the performance, he said: ‘You just have to concentrate on getting the job, but we are really made up.’