See Holly’s sweet message to her lookalike mum

HOLLY Willoughby shared a series of rare snaps with her mum Linda to mark Mother’s Day.

Former This Morning host Holly, 44, thanked Linda for her support after a tough year.

Holly Willoughby and her mother.
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Holly Willoughby shared a rare photo of her mum Linda Willoughby on InstagramCredit: instagram

Woman petting a dog.
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She thanked her mum for supporting her after having a tough yearCredit: instagram

Holly Willoughby and her mother Lynne Willoughby at the Pride of Britain Awards.
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Holly said her mum had supported her with ‘strength and guidance’Credit: Getty
Holly included a smiling snap of them together, with Linda laughing and also posing with superstar Sir Rod Stewart, as she quoted his song Pure Love in the caption.

“Like Rod said… Always been the BEST part of me… thank you for your strength and guidance … love you so much Mamma… Happy Mother’s Day…” Holly wrote.

The TV star’s fans reacted to her heartwarming posts in the comments.

“What a lovely photo hope you both have a wonderful Mother’s Day,” wrote one person.

Another added: “Beautiful just like your mum Holly. Have a lovely day whatever you are doing.”

And a third commented: “We can see where you get your beauty from Holly. Xxx”

Holly’s message to her mum comes after the star’s turbulent year which saw a man jailed for plotting to kidnap her, and Dancing On Ice getting axed.

It will be the first time she has been left without a running TV show in 21 years.

The Sun revealed this week that the skate show was being rested after 19 series, and while ITV confirmed a slew of new gigs for her co-host Stephen Mulhern, there was no such luck for Holly.

It is the first time Holly has not had any new projects at the network since she joined ITV in 2004.

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But Holly has faced other bad news that Channel 5 is forging ahead with a documentary about her experience with an obsessed security guard.

Holly was targeted by obsessed Gavin Plumb, who planned to kidnap, rape and ­murder her in 2021.

He was handed a life-sentence and ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years in prison by a court last year.

The mum of three’s ordeal led to her quitting her presenting role on ITV1’s This Morning and taking a break from telly altogether.

Called  Stalking Holly Willoughby, the documentary is still going ahead, even though she declined to be interviewed for it.

An insider said: “Holly isn’t involved in the documentary at all, but producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless.

“They know it’ll be a ratings hit to detail the gory specifics of the case.

“She declined to be interviewed by producers about the ordeal and her reps informed Channel 5 she wasn’t technically stalked so their title is incorrect.

“There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect.

It’s an awkward move, as it’s not their story to tell.

“It will bring back a lot of the horrendous memories for entertainment purposes when she’s just trying to move on with her life.”

Holly Willoughby holding a microphone, thanking the Dancing on Ice team.
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Holly has hosted Dancing On Ice for the last 19 yearsCredit: Instagram

Holly Willoughby and a green-skinned man in a witch's hat holding microphones.
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ITV announced it would be resting the show she hosted with Stephen MulhernCredit: Instagram

Could You Bet! be the full circle moment Holly Willoughby needs?

By Joshua Rom

When Holly Willoughby finally announced her departure from This Morning in October 2023 it felt almost like a crescendo. After her feud with Phillip Schofield, dealing with the revelation about his workplace relationship, months of speculation, a lacklustre return to the daytime show and a horrendous kidnap plot it seemed like her own departure was almost a relief.

She made her return to TV on Dancing On Ice, a show that first shot her to superstardom that she knew inside and out. This was combined with a long-standing colleague from her days in children’s TV to serve as her co-host in the form of Stephen Mulhern. It was a safe and steady bet for the star that placed emphasis on the continuity of her career despite unprecedented challenges.

She was previously announced as one of the hosts for a new jungle challenge show for Netflix called Bear Hunt. The streamer reportedly spent £1million on a ‘ring of steel’ security detail made up of ex-special forces and former ­military guns to protect her against drug gangs and kidnappers. We are still yet to see this show but with contestants such as Mel B, Shirley Ballas and Steph McGovern it is sure to be a must-watch.

But You Bet! feels like a proper homecoming for the star as she returns to ITV with her first new format since she left This Morning. Her partnership with Stephen Mulhern will continue and the new show could cement them as the new golden hosting couple of the most popular commercial broadcaster. Huge names like Olly Murs and Harry Redknapp will only bolster their star power and viewers will surely love the on-screen reunion with her former colleague and BFF Alison Hammond. Plus, you cannot go wrong with a beloved TV game show format from the 90s. The BBC can attest to this with the success of Gladiators.

On paper, this news has all the qualities for a major success and maybe it will be the show to usher in a new era for Holly Willoughby.