Once the undisputed queen of daytime television, Holly Willoughby has been conspicuously absent from our screens. The 44-year-old presenter, who was a cornerstone of ITV's schedule for over two decades, has seen her once-unassailable popularity dwindle following a series of public controversies. This year marks the first time in more than twenty years that she has not had a regular ITV show, with her only television appearance in 2025 being a brief 24-minute stint on Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt back in February. However, numerous reports suggest the star is now planning a major comeback to reclaim her position in the spotlight.
The Fall from Grace: Scandals and Setbacks
Holly Willoughby's squeaky-clean, family-friendly image suffered a significant blow during the 'Queuegate' scandal in 2022. She and her former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield were accused of skipping the queue to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state. The public backlash was severe and reportedly caused a rift between the once-close presenting duo.
Their relationship deteriorated further in 2023 when it emerged Schofield had had an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger male colleague. Willoughby expressed frustration at his initial denials before he eventually confessed in a statement to the Daily Mail. The bitter feud was laid bare when Schofield, during a TV comeback on Channel 5's Cast Away in October 2024, referred to Willoughby as 'one of the three s***s of showbiz', accusing her of betrayal over his departure from ITV.
In a more recent incident, Willoughby pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court. The charge stemmed from an accident on August 28, 2025, where her Mini Cooper knocked a scooter rider off his vehicle, resulting in a fractured neck and broken toe for the victim. Her defence cited a 'momentary lapse in judgement'.
Perhaps the most harrowing chapter was the terrifying kidnap and murder plot by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb. Following his conviction and a life sentence in July 2024, Willoughby left This Morning after 14 years, citing the need to prioritise her wellbeing and family.
Navigating a Career Crossroads
During her break, several professional opportunities came and went. She declined a lucrative offer to return with Stephen Mulhern for a full series of ITV's revived You Bet! Then, two of her key shows were axed: the long-running Dancing On Ice (which she had presented since 2006) was rested in 2026, and Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt was cancelled after one series due to high costs and low ratings.
Despite this, industry insiders insist 'the world is Holly's oyster'. She is said to be eyeing a move to primetime television, potentially as a solo chat show host in the vein of Graham Norton. A significant asset in her comeback plan is her husband, producer Dan Baldwin, whose company Hungry Bear Media is behind hits like Gladiators. The couple are reportedly 'secretly plotting her spectacular TV comeback'.
Several projects have been linked to her name, including:
- A reboot of the classic series Record Breakers.
- Hosting a revival of Cilla Black's Blind Date, potentially on Disney+.
- A new Channel 4 talent show tentatively titled Secret Singers.
- Further projects with Netflix, whose bosses were reportedly 'very keen' to work with her again.
The Path to Redemption: Expert Advice and Public Perception
PR and entertainment expert Lynn Carratt has insisted Willoughby can bounce back, drawing parallels to Ant McPartlin's recovery from his 2018 drink-driving conviction. However, experts note she faces a 'perception problem'. Her career is 'at a crossroads and needs to make strategic choices'.
They argue that while rivals like Claudia Winkleman and Alison Hammond project a warm, accessible image, Willoughby's biggest issue is being 'too guarded'. To win back the public, she is advised to rebrand by opening up more, potentially through a documentary, and to land a major hit show. Speculation that she was a frontrunner to replace Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing has cooled, with insiders noting she 'is not a ratings winner' in her current state and desperately needs a success like The Traitors to revive her career.
The consensus is clear: Holly Willoughby has the profile and opportunities available for a significant return, but her success hinges on strategic project choices and a concerted effort to rebuild a more relatable and open connection with the British public.
