Susanna Reid shares her thoughts on Holly Willoughby’s departure from ITV’s This Morning

 

Susanna Reid, host of Good Morning Britain, has broken her silence on Holly Willoughby’s unexpected departure from This Morning.

Both women were familiar faces on ITV daytime for years until Holly made the sudden decision to step away from all her commitments, prioritizing herself and her family. This decision followed reports of an alleged kidnap and murder plot against Holly, along with her involvement in the affair drama surrounding her former co-star, Phillip Schofield. These events led to a turbulent conclusion to the year, prompting Holly to resign from her role as the host of This Morning.

Despite the trying times Holly has faced, Susanna, describing her as ‘brilliant and strong’, expressed her belief that the 42-year-old presenter would eventually return to her presenting career. These remarks were made before Holly’s official confirmation of her return to host Dancing On Ice.

Susanna shared understanding for Holly’s decision, stating to Woman&home magazine that it was a tough situation to navigate. “Our schedules hardly overlapped, but when I did catch sight of her over the past year, she seemed like her usual self – cheerful, strong, and bright.”

Describing Holly as a significant presence on TV, Susanna expressed confidence in her return, highlighting her exceptional presenting skills, wit, and intelligence.

Following a challenging period involving an alleged kidnap plot and her friend Phillip Schofield’s affair drama, Holly took a break from television. Her recent appearance on ‘This Morning’ alongside Josie Gibson was part of a compilation, surprising viewers.

Concerns lingered over Holly’s role on ‘Dancing on Ice’, but it was confirmed this week that she’d co-present with Stephen Mulhern, much to the anticipation of her fans for her January comeback.

An insider informed the Mirror that ITV was thrilled to welcome Holly back and believed that having Stephen as her co-presenter would entice her return. Earlier plans to have Stephen replace Phillip had been in the works for some time, and ITV was delighted to have him confirmed.

This week, ITV officially announced Holly’s return, with Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning, expressing excitement about reuniting Holly and Stephen after 20 years, hailing their partnership as they helm ‘Dancing on Ice’. The show is set to witness celebrities vying for the ice skating crown, with familiar judges Torvill and Dean, Ashley Banjo, and Oti Mabuse returning to the panel.