Holly Willoughby is reportedly “not in a good place” following her This Morning exit, as her close pal Leigh Francis issued a concerning update.
The TV presenter announced that she was leaving the ITV show after 14 years at the helm back in October. Her time on the daytime programme came to an end when the mum-of-three became the victim of an alleged foiled kidnap plot.
Now the Keith Lemon star has shared how the presenter has been adjusting to life away from the cameras. Speaking to Sunday People, the comedian confessed the star is going through a “tough time”.
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He told the publication: “I don’t think she’s in a good place. She’s having a tough time.” The 50-year-old first became friends with the doting mum during her 12-year stint on Celebrity Juice.
Speaking at the We Free Women launch, the comic added that he often sends texts to her in an attempt to boost her mood. He said: “I just text her. I don’t ask how she is, but I send her some messages to cheer her up.
“I just go, ‘Hope you’re OK’, and tell her about things I've bought. Like. ‘I’ve just wasted my money on some Spider-Man Crocs, Holly. Do you like?’”
He also warned fans that he “doesn’t know” if she will return to her usual hosting spot on Dancing On Ice in the new year. The broadcaster sensationally quit This Morning “for the sake of her family” after she discovered she was the target of an alleged kidnap and murder plot.
Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the TV presenter. Holly was left “shocked and distraught” after the alleged kidnap plan was exposed by police.
She was placed under police guard at her home which she shares with her husband Dan Baldwin and their three children son Harry, 14, daughter Belle, 12, and their eight-year-old son Chester. The news came after a turbulent year for the daytime host.
Back in May, her former co-star Phillip Schofield stepped down from the show after he admitted to a relationship with a younger male colleague. In September last year, the presenting duo faced huge backlash when they were accused of jumping the queue to see the late Queen lying in state.
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Following her exit from the show, ITV viewers have been treated to a rotation of presenters throughout the week. This has seen the likes of Cat Deeley, Alison Hammond, and Craig Doyle step up to the plate to host the afternoon show.
Viewers will have to stay tuned to see who will steal Holly’s highly sought after spot as leading presenter.
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