Holly Willoughby found herself in a bit of a sticky situation on Sunday’s episode of Dancing On Ice, and she was quick to offer an apology after fans believed she had accidentally let out a swear word during a prank by co-host Stephen Mulhern.

During the latest episode, which had a Movie Week theme, Holly, 42, introduced the next couple with, “Right, our next couple are taking on one of cinema’s spookiest characters, Beetlejuice, hoping to give their opponents the fright of their lives!”

Co-host Stephen, 46, decided to playfully scream in Holly’s face as she mentioned “fright,” causing her to jump, and it appeared as if she might have uttered a profanity. This moment prompted viewers on Twitter to question whether Holly had dropped the F-bomb. Comments such as, “Is it just me or did Holly just say something rather naughty to Stephen #dancingonice,” and “Holly Willoughby definitely just dropped an f bomb #dancingonice #doi,” flooded the social media platform. Another viewer wrote, “Did Holly just use the f word?? #DancingOnIce,” while yet another fan added, “Is Holly dropping F bombs on dancing on ice?? #dancingonice #HollyWilloughby #itv.”

Later in the show, Holly addressed the incident, saying, “Now a little bit earlier on, Stephen may have made me jump, and I think it might have sounded like a naughty word slipped out. But I don’t think I did, but I’m sorry if that’s what you thought you might have heard, but I don’t think I did. I’ll watch it back on ITV player.”

Playfully turning to co-host Stephen, she added, “It’s your fault for being so naughty all the time!” to which Stephen responded with a quip, “I get the blame for everything at the moment!”

Viewers on Twitter had their own reactions, with one person saying, “I don’t think Stephen making Holly jump was on the autocue, careful Stephen, she will get you back #dancingonice,” accompanied by laughing emojis. Another added, “Holly telling Stephen off for making her jump. Naughty Boy #DancingonIce.”

The popular skating series, featuring a new lineup of celebrities paired with professional partners, returned earlier this month. The contestants this year include Ricky Hatton, Adele Roberts, Amber Davies, Claire Sweeney, Eddie the Eagle, Greg Rutherford, Hannah Spearritt, Lou Sanders, Miles Nazaire, Ricky Norwood, Roxy Shahidi, and Ryan Thomas. Holly Willoughby is hosting the show alongside new co-presenter Stephen Mulhern, who has replaced Phillip Schofield.

Holly’s return to television for Dancing On Ice came after her decision to step back from the spotlight following her departure from This Morning in October, where she had been a fixture for 14 years. Her role as host of Dancing On Ice was confirmed by ITV bosses on December 27, reuniting her with Stephen Mulhern after their previous collaboration on Ministry of Mayhem. The show’s judges Torvill and Dean, Ashley Banjo, and Oti Mabuse are also back on the panel.