Holly Willoughby pictured on holiday abroad in first sighting since Phil Schofield drama
Posted June 1, 2023 by: Admin
Holly Willoughby, the beloved TV presenter, has embarked on a well-deserved family vacation in Portugal, just days before her anticipated return to This Morning.
Amidst the recent upheaval caused by her former co-host Phillip Schofield’s departure from the show, Holly sought solace in the warmth of a half-term getaway. She revealed that she had been deeply hurt by Phil’s deceitful actions, as he concealed an affair with a younger colleague from her and their viewers.
Escaping the chaos back home, Holly has been relishing quality time with her loved ones in the picturesque setting of Portugal. Captivating images obtained exclusively by The Mirror show Holly sporting a radiant smile as she sat around a dinner table beside her mother, Linda. Surrounded by the affectionate chatter of her family, the TV star appeared at ease and content.
Dressed casually in a stylish straw hat and fashionable dark shades, Holly exuded a relaxed charm in her chic knitted cardigan as she savored the serene shade. While she basks in the holiday bliss, her co-star, Phillip Schofield, sought solace in the tranquil embrace of Cornwall, spending time with his mother following his heartfelt statement.
In response to Phil’s shocking confession, Holly expressed her feelings of hurt and betrayal, stating, “When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It’s been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie.”
Granting Holly an additional week’s holiday from This Morning, ITV has respected her need for respite during this challenging period. Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary have admirably filled in as temporary presenters, and Holly is set to make her eagerly awaited return next Monday. The network is yet to announce who will join her as a co-host.
While Holly has faced calls from various former ITV stars and celebrities, including Eamonn Holmes and Katie Hopkins, to step down from her long-standing role as host of This Morning, it seems she is determined to weather the storm. A source close to Holly revealed exclusively to The Mirror that she has no intention of quitting the show and hopes to navigate through the current scandal. The only circumstance under which Holly would consider leaving the program is if it were to be canceled entirely.
“Holly wants to stay at This Morning as long as she can, and hopes to ride out the scandal. Other stars like Stephen Mulhern are being approached to fill in for Phil when she returns. Some are reluctant to go in and face angry viewers,” the source disclosed. “Holly is determined to stay put – the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave.”
In a heartfelt statement, Schofield, 61, announced his departure from hosting the show over a week ago, expressing his desire to protect its reputation amidst rumors of a rift with Holly. Just a week later, he admitted to an “unwise but not illegal” affair and subsequently left ITV, before being dismissed by his management company YMU.
Before Schofield’s confession, Willoughby shared her sentiments about his exit, saying, “It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil, and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, experience, and humor. The sofa won’t feel the same without him.”
Today, it was revealed that the talented Jane McDonald would be stepping in as the host of the Soap Awards this Saturday, replacing Philip Schofield. Initially, Schofield had pledged to continue hosting the annual event after leaving This Morning but decided to step down and part ways with ITV altogether due to the repercussions of his affair and the falsehoods he told his agent and bosses.
