Holly Willoughby is taking a break from This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Holly Willoughby did not appear on Monday’s episode of This Morning, but there is a simple explanation for her absence.
The 42-year-old presenter wasn’t part of the team for the first episode of the week, with Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary taking the reigns after ITV spoke out against ‘nonsense’ rumours about the co-stars.
Holly – who returned to the This Morning sofa an after an extended break, which followed the news that Phillip Schofield, 61, had quit his role – appeared on the ITV show on Thursday but didn’t mention that she wouldn’t be on screen as she signed off as normal.
Meanwhile, over the weekend she revealed her mother-in-law Sandra had died, and she penned an emotional tribute on Instagram for her husband Dan Baldwin’s mother.
She shared a cheerful snap of them raising a glass together and wrote: ‘Sleep well Sandra… Nonna, Mother, Sister, friend… To know her was to know strength itself… Raising four children after losing her husband, she then lost a son and more recently her sister…
‘Thank you for your guidance, advice and bottomless Prosecco. Thank you for raising the incredible man I’m married to… I see your strength everyday in our children… Be at peace…Love you ❤️.’
Where is Holly Willoughby on This Morning?
Holly had returned to ITV last month after Phillip Schofield’s exit (Picture: ITV)
Holly’s absence is actually the beginning of her summer holidays break, with TV sources telling The Sun that it’s simply her ‘usual and planned break over the summer’.
Meanwhile, it’s thought her break is going ahead as planned, and was not brought forward after her mother-in-law’s death.
Holly, who is said to be spending time grieving with her family, would usually be holidaying with former This Morning Phillip Schofield and their families, but it’s understand they are no longer on speaking terms after he lied about his affair with a younger runner.
When will she be back?
Holly is not expected to be back on screen until September, when he usual summer break comes to an end.
Who is replacing her?
Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond are stepping in (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary will step in to replace Holly for the rest of this week, which comes after ITV rubbished speculation about their relationship.
It was claimed that the co-stars, who have been fronting the show together since 2020, had developed a ‘strained’ relationship after Holly and Phil’s presenting partnership came to an end amid his exit.
But the broadcaster was quick to dismiss the reports, with a spokesperson saying: ‘This is absolute nonsense. There’s no tension between Alison and Dermot, quite the opposite.’
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They added: ‘Alison, Dermot and Holly are all valued members of the This Morning family and all enjoy working together on the show, as well as having friendships outside of the show.’
Dermot recently showered Alison with praise while working together on the show over the summer, writing on social media: ‘Been a privilege to co-host TM with Alison for you all this week, and on behalf of an incredible crew and team, thanks for all the love!’
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
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The 42-year-old star is on a break.
