- Follow OK! on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@ok_mag
Following Phillip Schofield’s dramatic departure from This Morning nearly two months ago, Holly Willoughby has been subjected to a furious public backlash and constant rumours about her quitting the show.
Last week fans were left shocked when they discovered the embattled presenter had already secretly left the programme for her usual summer break, without saying her usual goodbye.
In previous years Holly, 42, and Phillip, 61, had always announced they were taking their holiday together before giving a friendly sign off.
One online commentator said, “That seems like a strange strategy – unless she isn’t coming back.” Another added, “It’s a bit rude to say nothing. I suspect she won’t be back – she will find another opportunity over the summer months.”
To add to Holly’s recent trauma, the heartbroken star announced in an emotional post last week that her mother-in-law had died.
The star wrote, “Sleep well Sandra… Nonna, Mother, Sister, friend… To know her was to know strength itself.” She went on to say, “I see your strength everyday in our children… Be at peace… Love you.”
A source has exclusively told OK! that now, more than ever, Holly needs this time to step back and reassess her priorities.
They said she is putting her family first and will be using this break to decide her next move and her future on the show.
The source said, “She appreciates her family more than ever right now and she’s planning to take the summer to be a full-time mum.
The last couple of months have been really stressful and it’s highlighted for her the importance of family.
“She and Dan are closer than ever – he provided her with so much support following Phillip’s departure, and she was able to be there for him after his mother died. It sounds strange, but the devastating year they’ve had has brought their family together.
“She will be thinking about the future and making sure her family is her priority.”
Holly has faced a number of difficult moments in recent months, from a public backlash after it was claimed she visited Queen Elizabeth II’s lying-in-state without queuing first, to being embroiled in the drama that surrounded Phillip.
After the scandal of Phillip’s controversial relationship with a junior studio runner on This Morning, many insisted “she must have known” about her former co-presenter’s affair.
It was also revealed that Holly is set to be grilled by a top barrister over the episode.
Despite her co-hosts Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson all rallying around her, there’s been constant speculation around who could replace Phil, and Holly is reportedly worried what that future would look like on the iconic sofa.
It was also reported last month that she could move to Strictly Come Dancing, after it emerged that the BBC had been trying to “lure” the mum-of-three from ITV for some time.
Now, Holly has taken a holiday with her husband Dan Baldwin, 48, and sons Harry, 14, Chester, eight, and daughter Belle, 12.
Our source said, “Holly has been left exhausted by everything that has happened and her quick exit without saying goodbye is very telling and could be her way of bowing out quietly.”
Her break could also signal a change in direction for Holly.
“She’s open to future TV presenting opportunities, but she’s equally aware that no on-screen work will ever compare to This Morning in its heyday. So, for now, she’s focusing on her Instagram brand work, and more importantly on herself, her husband and kids,” our source continued.
PR expert Dermot McNamara explains that it is understandable that there is speculation Holly won’t return and why her exit has surprised fans.
He said, “She might be all smiles on Instagram and showing off designer dresses, but deep down fans can tell she’s struggling. It was an intense time for her and she was dragged into the drama by association.
“Her swift exit would have left viewers concerned because, despite what’s happened, she’s still very much the heart of the show. People feel like she’s in their living room almost every day so they have a right to be worried.”
For now, it remains to be seen what will happen after September, but ITV told OK! Holly had no plans to leave.
Our expert also said, “ITV will want to retain her – if she goes, it will mean too much change too soon on This Morning. It would come as a huge blow.”
Source: Read Full Article
