Holly Willoughby did not appear on Monday’s broadcast of This Morning, but her absence had a simple explanation.
The 42-year-old host was absent from the first episode of the week, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary taking over after ITV came out against ‘nonsense’ reports concerning the co-stars.
Holly, who returned to the This Morning couch after an extended vacation after the announcement that Phillip Schofield, 61, had stepped down, appeared on the ITV show on Thursday but didn’t mention her absence as she signed off as usual.
Meanwhile, she confirmed the death of her mother-in-law Sandra over the weekend, and she paid an emotional tribute to her husband Dan Baldwin’s mother on Instagram.
She captioned a cheery photo of them lifting a drink together, ‘Sleep well Sandra…’ Nonna, Mama, Sister, Friend… Knowing her was like knowing power itself… After losing her husband and four children, she subsequently lost a son and, most recently, her sister…
‘Thank you for your guidance, advice and bottomless Prosecco. Thank you for raising the incredible man I’m married to… I see your strength everyday in our children… Be at peace…Love you ❤️.’
Where is Holly Willoughby on This Morning?
Holly’s absence is actually the beginning of her summer holidays break, with TV sources telling The Sun that it’s simply her ‘usual and planned break over the summer’.
Meanwhile, it’s believed her break will go ahead as scheduled and was not pushed back due to her mother-in-law’s death.
Holly, who is reported to be mourning with her family, would normally be vacationing with former This Morning host Phillip Schofield and his families, but it’s said they are no longer communicating since he lied about his romance with a younger runner.
When will she be back?
Holly is not scheduled to return to the screen until September, when his normal summer hiatus concludes.
Who is replacing her?
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will fill in for Holly for the remainder of this week, after ITV’s denial of their connection.
The co-stars, who have been fronting the programme together since 2020, were said to have established a’strained’ relationship when Holly and Phil’s presenting collaboration ended with his departure.
But the broadcaster was quick to dismiss the reports, with a spokesperson saying: ‘This is absolute nonsense. There’s no tension between Alison and Dermot, quite the opposite.’
They added: ‘Alison, Dermot and Holly are all valued members of the This Morning family and all enjoy working together on the show, as well as having friendships outside of the show.’
Dermot recently showered Alison with praise while working together on the show over the summer, writing on social media: ‘Been a privilege to co-host TM with Alison for you all this week, and on behalf of an incredible crew and team, thanks for all the love!’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
