Holly Willoughby has said she 'knows real fear' as she prepares to return to the spotlight following a horrifying kidnap and murder plot. The former This Morning host, 45, spoke candidly about the ordeal in a new interview with Grazia, admitting that the experience set her back but also gave her perspective.
Step Back from the Spotlight
Willoughby fronted This Morning for 14 years but stepped down in 2023 after co-host Phillip Schofield left following an affair with a young male colleague. She continued presenting Dancing On Ice until March 2025, when ITV announced the show would be 'rested'. Amid these career changes, she took time away from the public eye to focus on family while police investigated Gavin Plumb, 39, who was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years for plotting to kidnap and murder her.
Speaking About the Ordeal
In her Grazia interview, Willoughby said: 'Everybody knows what happened and it was difficult. It was a really difficult time. It did set me back and made me realise, “Right, well of course you haven’t got everything figured out. Of course life is going to keep throwing challenges at you.”' She added: 'When something like that happens, suddenly everything else gets put into perspective and you know what? I don’t fear what people think because I know what real fear feels like.'
Uncertainty About Returning
Speaking to The Sun, Willoughby revealed she wasn't sure if she would ever return to TV presenting. She said: 'If I'm being really honest, everybody knows what happened to me and I just needed time out. I needed to go: “Do you know, I need to park all of that. I'm just going to spend time with my family and my friends and see how I am and see what happens. And then when it feels right I'll go back.” But there was a time when I wasn't sure whether that would ever be a thing. I feel good now, though. I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t. This is a really good sign that I feel ready.'
New YouTube Venture
Willoughby's comeback takes the form of a new YouTube channel called Holly Willoughby Together, a lifestyle series covering practical advice, fashion, beauty, and health. The channel will feature a variety of content, including cooking segments, fashion and beauty focus, and practical guidance on health and wellness. She will also host honest, in-depth conversations with 'inspiring' guests, including a tech-safety campaigner, chefs, a florist, and a make-up artist.
Premiere and Guests
Holly Willoughby Together will release two episodes per week, premiering on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. It will be available on YouTube, digital streaming platforms, and across social media. Celebrity guests include award-winning actor Stanley Tucci, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, and comedians Joanne McNally and Katherine Ryan.
