Holly Willoughby pleads with fans to vote for Alison Hammond at NTAs after her own snub

Holly Willoughby hopes 2023 will be Alison Hammond’s year at the NTAs (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

Holly Willoughby may not be up for an individual gong at this year’s National Television Awards, but that won’t stop her pleading for votes for others.

The This Morning presenter, 42, has asked fans to vote for Alison Hammond, 48, in the best presenter category ahead of this year’s NTAs on September 5.

Held at London’s O2 Arena and with Joel Dommett at the helm, the glam ceremony will see Alison battle it out with Ant and Dec, Bradley Walsh, Claudia Winkleman, and Martin Lewis in the competitive category.

We all know that Ant and Dec have scooped the best presenter trophy every year since 2001, but Holly has every faith that 2023 could be Alison’s year.

Writing in the latest newsletter for her Wylde Moon brand, Holly began with some life updates: ‘Just like that the first full week of September has begun, and while it’s been years since I went back to school, I’m reliving it through my children.

‘Harry begins the first year of his GCSEs this year and I sense that he feels like school has just got serious.

Holly was snubbed in the best presenter category again this year (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘When we were discussing his options, a big deciding factor was to select subjects he naturally has a keen interest in and enjoys. Even as adults, life is easier when you focus on the joy that’s there for the taking.’

After taking the summer off to holiday and spend time with her family, Holly added that she’s loving being back on This Morning now.

‘Having been lucky enough to have this summer break to focus on the children, it’s now lovely to be back on the sofa and there was certainly joy in abundance with Alison Hammond today!’, she wrote.

Holly went on: ‘This wonderful lady has been nominated in the best presenter category at tomorrow night’s NTAs and there is still time to vote for her.

‘So, if you’ve ever been filled with joy by The Hammond…and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?!…then you know what to do!’

This marks the second year that Holly was missed off the nominations list in the best presenter category.

Can Alison put a stop to Ant and Dec’s winning streak? (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

It also comes after a turbulent few months for the This Morning team, amid the fallout of Phillip Schofield’s bombshell affair confession and his exit from ITV.

The veteran broadcaster, 61, no longer works on the show, but presented alongside Holly for nearly 14 years.

He stepped down after admitting to lying to friends, family members, and colleagues about an ‘unwise but not illegal’ relationship with a young male runner, while he was still married and before coming out as gay.

Phillip has kept a low profile since, having only been spotted in public on a few occasions after admitting his TV career is ‘over’.

Meanwhile, an investigation is currently underway into the circumstances surrounding his departure and into allegations of toxicity and bullying at ITV.

And as the investigation draws to a close and with findings to be published publicly in a matter of weeks, the This Morning drama is showing no signs of fizzling out.

This Morning staff are said to be ‘furious’ that on-screen talent has been invited to the NTAs over them (Picture: Graham Stone/REX)

Speaking of the NTAs, with This Morning once again nominated for the best daytime gong, staff members are said to be ‘furious’ after not being invited.

It’s said the programme’s party will only include on-screen talent (such as Holly, Alison, and Dermot O’Leary) and senior executives.

A source revealed to The Sun that This Morning is reportedly ‘slimming down’ the number of attendees.

‘People are upset at the slimming down, as the show is such a group effort and the awards are usually a big night out for the whole team,’ they said.

‘They’re blaming the cost of living crisis but seem to be splashing the cash elsewhere.’

It’s been a turbulent year for the ITV daytime show, to say the least (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘It doesn’t help to shut down rumours of a toxic atmosphere,’ the insider also said.

‘Some people suspect that bosses know it isn’t going to be a stellar year for This Morning after all the scandal.’

An ITV source also told the publication: ‘There are fewer staff attending this year due to budget cuts.’

ITV declined to comment when contacted by Metro.co.uk.

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It’s been a rocky year for This Morning, for sure.