Holly Willoughby returns to This Morning following extended absence

Holly Willoughby returned to This Morning on Monday after a long absence.

The 42-year-old and her co-host Alison Hammond were joined by the Mamma Mia entertainment crew, who opened the show with a colorful rendition of ABBA’s hit ‘Dancing Queen’, which took place outside the Television Center in White City, London.

WATCH: Holly Willoughby returns to This Morning

Speaking to the audience after the performance, Holly said: “What a start to the show!”

“We’re back from summer break, but it’s not just the start of a new season for our show. For many people out there, today is the first time at school. Mine are back today.

© ITVHolly Willoughby returned to This Morning on Monday

“Everything was good, but we all kind of opened the window and were like, ‘Oh, summer decided to arrive today,'” she added, before telling viewers what’s in store for the rest of the program.

© Ken McKay/ITV/ShutterstockHolly and Alison co-hosted Monday’s show

Holly has been absent from the program for two months, having signed off on her annual summer vacation on July 6.

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During her absence, a rotating list of presenters stepped in to cover for Holly, including Friday presenters Alison and Dermot O’Leary, as well as Josie Gibson, Craig Doyle, Andi Peters and Rochelle Humes.

Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson hosted the show several times during Holly’s absence

While away from the show, Holly has been enjoying quality time with her husband Dan Baldwin and their three children – Harry, 14, Bella, 12, and Chester, eight.

In August, Holly was pictured soaking up the sun on a beach in the Algarve, Portugal, and found time to detail her holiday in her weekly Wylde Moon newsletter.

“This week, as I sit here with my family and feel incredibly blessed to be spending this time together, it really made me think about how many of these family holidays are left,” she wrote in a recent post.

© Wylde MoonHolly spent some time in the kitchen during the summer holidays

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She then shared her sad realization about her children growing up: “My eldest son, Harry, is 14 this year and I’m sure it won’t be long before he starts wanting a little more independence and continues to holiday with friends instead of mum and dad !”

Holly shared a photo of herself and husband Dan while on vacation

She continued: “The days of my kids needing me 24 hours a day are long gone and while it’s a sad way to look at things, recognizing how precious and short this time really is has actually helped me stay fully present.”

Holly’s return to This morning comes amid a turbulent period for the show following the departure of Phillip Schofield in May.

The 61-year-old admitted lying about an affair with a younger, male colleague in a statement released in June, saying he was “deeply sorry” for lying about the relationship and that while it “was wise, it was not illegal “, it’s over now.

© GettyPhillip Schofield left ITV in May

Then in August, a number of ITV staff made claims of a toxic working environment on daytime shows including This Morning, with staff members speaking of facing “abuse, discrimination and harassment”.

The allegations were made public by MPs on the culture committee of the House of Commons, which is investigating the way the broadcaster handled Phillip’s departure. Read the whole story here.

Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education