Holly Willoughby has endured a year that would shake anyone to the core, from the scandal involving her former co-host Phillip Schofield, which led to his departure from their popular morning programme, to a harrowing kidnap scare. However, the tide seems to be turning for the 43 year old presenter.
Holly, who lives with her husband Dan and their children Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, 8, is gearing up to take on several prime-time shows, ready to reclaim her place in the limelight. "Holly can't wait for 2025 and to finally put everything behind her," an insider revealed.
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PA)"It's been quite a hellish year, what with the Gavin Plumber trial and the ongoing fallout with Phil but she is starting to feel like herself again." The source continued: "And that's mainly down to her friends and family - they've all been so supportive and have helped her through some dark times."
Despite being one of the nation's most beloved television personalities, Holly had largely vanished from our screens for nearly a year after her departure from This Morning, where she had been a staple for 14 years. She was recently seen celebrating at the premiere of Robbie Williams' latest biopic Better Man, marking her return to the red carpet after a lengthy absence, following a low-key appearance at the National Television Awards in September, reports OK!.
Holly dazzled with her signature megawatt smile on the red carpet, embodying old Hollywood glamour in a figure-hugging metallic dress as she engaged with fans. Although not in the running for an award that evening—where in previous years she might have been nominated alongside her erstwhile TV partner Phillip (with whom she'd famously hit the afterparty and then share the antics on This Morning the next day)—Holly appeared joyful, self-assured, and perfectly in her element.
And one man who's been a constant support through the rollercoaster of the last year is Holly's loyal husband, Dan, a TV executive. The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in West Sussex back in 2007.
Dan, the brains behind successful shows like The Wheel and Holly's former gig Celebrity Juice, reportedly met Holly during their time at the BBC children's programme Live and Kicking. As insiders report, Dan, 49, has been Holly's steadfast 'rock'. "While all of this could've put pressure on some relationships, it has only made these two stronger. She feels so lucky to have him."
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Instagram/@hollywilloughby)Insiders also reveal: "They have moved house this year, which was a hard decision to make because that was their family home, but she no longer felt safe there and their new house feels like the fresh start they all need."
Holly's first significant public appearance came after the jailing of former security guard Gavin Plumb, who had plotted to rape and murder her, in July. Plumb received three life sentences for his plans to break into Holly's home, sedate, kidnap and kill her and her husband.
Following Plumb's arrest, Holly dramatically announced her departure from This Morning last October - and until her public outing this September, she understandably maintained a notably low profile, following what must have been a harrowing ordeal. She would also have been dealing with the fallout from the scandal involving her former co-host Phillip, 62, confessing to an affair with a much younger This Morning runner, and leaving the show, amid whispers that she and Phil, once best friends, were barely on speaking terms.
However, despite the challenging interim months, Holly is back on her feet and ready to move forward and return to business as usual. Her vibrant TV comeback continues at full speed, with fans set to see her in a host of major shows. She launched the lively reboot of gameshow You Bet! with old mate Stephen Mulhern last Saturday, and will be teaming up with Stephen again in January for ITV's glittery skating show, Dancing On Ice - before presenting Bear Grylls' high-budget reality show Bear Hunt on Netflix, a move that will undoubtedly introduce Holly to a worldwide audience.
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Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)An insider shared that with her latest ventures, Holly feels ready to put the This Morning controversy behind her. "People will see her doing different things, working with different co-stars." However, they note that amid Stephen's recent health scare, having taken ill unexpectedly at a Pizza Express following the sad loss of his father Christopher, Holly is standing by him.
"Obviously it's bittersweet because her You Bet and Dancing On Ice co-star Stephen is going through a tough time right now - she is supporting him and feels she is strong enough to be able to do that. But Holly can't wait to get back to doing jobs and shows she loves. She is determined to never go back to those dark days and feel as vulnerable as she did."
After a terrible year, Holly is positive about the future and gearing up for a 2025 fresh start. ITV's darling Holly is back....
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