Holly Willoughby Steps Back from Driving Following Serious Scooter Collision
Television personality Holly Willoughby has reportedly decided to take an extended break from driving after a distressing incident last August where she knocked over a scooter rider near her London residence. The collision resulted in significant injuries for the victim, including a fractured neck and a broken toe, leaving the former This Morning host deeply affected.
Legal Consequences and Court Proceedings
In December, Willoughby pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Lavender Hill Magistrates Court in Battersea. Although she did not appear in person, her defence lawyer Aisling Byrnes addressed the court, describing the event as a "momentary lapse in judgement." Byrnes emphasised that the incident was not aggravated by excessive speed or adverse weather conditions and highlighted Willoughby's previously clean driving record and exemplary character.
The court imposed a fine of £1,653, along with six penalty points on her driving licence. Additionally, Willoughby was ordered to pay £130 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £661. Her legal representative noted that Willoughby showed immediate remorse at the scene, offering her phone and water to the injured rider and remaining until emergency responders arrived.
Emotional Impact and Lifestyle Changes
Sources close to the 44-year-old presenter reveal that she has been profoundly "shaken up" by the accident, leading her to sell the £25,000 Mini Cooper involved in the crash. A confidant told The Sun, "She has been using a chauffeur as she rebuilds her confidence. Holly was really shaken up by the accident. She recently enlisted a car dealer to help sell the Mini because she wants a fresh start."
The insider added, "The faster she can get it off her drive and gone for good the better. Holly wants a fresh start and doesn't feel right driving the car again after what has happened. She was so upset by the accident and did everything she could to help the man. Now she just wants to move on and get rid of the Mini."
Broader Context of Personal and Professional Challenges
This driving hiatus marks another setback for Willoughby, who has faced a series of personal and professional difficulties in recent years. In 2023, she became the target of a horrifying kidnap plot, leading to the imprisonment of security guard Gavin Plumb for life. This traumatic event prompted her decision to leave This Morning after 14 years as a host, citing the need to prioritise her safety and that of her family.
Willoughby announced her departure on Instagram, stating, "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so, so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together."
Subsequently, she sold her £6 million family home in Barnes and relocated to a more secure £8 million property in London, where she now lives with her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin, and their three children. Currently, Willoughby is without a regular presenting role for the first time in two decades, though rumours suggest she may be considered for the Strictly Come Dancing hosting position.
As she navigates this period of recovery and transition, Willoughby's choice to step away from driving underscores the lasting impact of the accident on her daily life and well-being.
