Holly Willoughby has allegedly been ruled out of the running to present Strictly Come Dancing, following her strategic rebrand as a digital influencer. The 44-year-old former ITV star was once strongly linked to the coveted television role after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departures last year. This potential appointment would have represented her most significant television comeback, aimed at reclaiming her status after a series of professional and personal controversies.
Career Setbacks and Executive Concerns
Holly Willoughby has largely remained absent from mainstream television screens since her abrupt exit from This Morning in October 2023. Her departure followed the shocking revelation that a former security guard had plotted to kidnap, rape, and murder her. This traumatic incident occurred merely months after her highly publicised falling out with long-time co-presenter and friend Phillip Schofield.
In the latest development impacting her career trajectory, BBC executives are said to be "not so keen" on the prospect of Holly fronting the popular dance competition. An industry insider disclosed to The Sun that while many consider Holly brilliant and deserving of the role, certain executives harboured significant reservations.
Avoiding Unwanted Drama
The source elaborated: "She may be squeaky clean, but she will always have that association with Phillip, and god only knows what he would come out with if she got the job. That is the last thing the BBC needs. Strictly has had enough scandal in recent years, and ruling out Holly avoids any unnecessary drama." Representatives for both Strictly Come Dancing and Holly Willoughby have been contacted for comment regarding these reports.
The Influencer Pivot and Business Struggles
Central to Holly's strategy for reclaiming her television crown has been a deliberate rebrand as an influencer, engaging her 8.1 million Instagram followers. This new direction involves participating in viral social media challenges, securing brand partnerships, and regularly sharing candid personal snapshots. Her influencer era aligns closely with her lifestyle and wellness venture, Wylde Moon.
However, even this Gwyneth Paltrow-inspired business has encountered difficulties. Nearly five years after its launch, it has been revealed that Wylde Moon has discontinued its jewellery line and podcast. The company appears to have parted ways with its hair, beauty, style, and energy editors. A recent filing to Companies House indicates the business now lists just two employees, understood to be Holly and her sister Kelly, a significant reduction from the initial team of fourteen.
Financial Position and Narrowed Focus
Financial accounts for the year to October 2024 show Wylde Moon's net assets at £4,831, an increase from £1,885 the previous year. However, the company owes £733,485 to creditors, up from £583,748. Among these creditors is HMRC, with a £67,262 liability for Corporation Tax, suggesting a taxable profit of approximately £250,000.
The business focus has notably narrowed, with monthly posts on fashion, beauty, and hair no longer appearing. The emphasis has shifted primarily to well-being and astrology content. Current product offerings include scented candles priced at £40, wax melts at £11, perfume at £42, and reed diffusers at £45. Holly also promotes her 2021 book, 'Reflections', through the platform and frequently shares money-off deals on Instagram to drive sales.
Past Ventures and Current Representation
This is not Holly's first foray into the lifestyle brand market. Back in 2018, she was due to launch a brand called Truly with Dragons' Den star Peter Jones but withdrew shortly before the launch, citing family time commitments. Jones and his partner proceeded independently, and Truly is now stocked in John Lewis and via Next.
Since leaving This Morning, Holly's television work has been limited, including an appearance in the Netflix show 'Bear Hunt', which was not recommissioned. She continues to be represented by her own management company, Roxy Management, which seemingly has her as its sole client. During her tenure on This Morning, Holly was one of the highest-paid presenters, alongside Phillip Schofield, with both reportedly earning £730,000 annually.
Despite these professional challenges, Holly recently posted a video enjoying a "Wylde Moon away day" at a Sussex spa with her sister and stylist, describing activities involving sacred cacao, oracle cards, and crafted reed dollies for "blessings of renewal and protection."
