Messages of support have poured in for Holly Willoughby after the star went public with a family death on Instagram. The This Morning host paid a heartfelt to her beloved mother-in-law Sandra, with whom she shared a very close bond, as she told fans the matriarch had passed away.
Holly has been inundated with messages of support from fans and friends, The Mirror reports. "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", penned Holly.
"Thank you for raising the incredible man I’m married to… I see your strength everyday in our children… Be at peace…Love you."
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The TV presenter, who has endured a rocky few months, posted a beaming throwback photo of her and Sandra on holiday smiling into the camera alongside her tribute.
Holly's friends were quick to comment underneath the post with her This Morning co-star Vanessa Feltz writing: "I am so terribly sorry to hear of Sandra’s passing. I had such a memorable conversation with her. She exuded wisdom kindness and warmth. Sending love to you Dan and the whole family."
Fellow broadcaster Kate Thornton said: "Beautiful words for a truly beautiful and remarkable woman. I’m so sorry she’s no longer with you. Sending my heartfelt condolences x."
While close pal, All Saints star Nicole Appleton, commented: "Ahh darling sending you all soo much love. Sandra was just wonderful!" followed by a broken heart emoji.
Fans also sent well wishes after hearing Holly's sad news with one posting: "I'm so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all. Sending hugs xxx.".
Another wrote: "So sorry to read this. RIP Sandra xxx."
A third said: "My heart aches for you and your children's. Nona peace be with you."
While a fourth added "So sorry to hear this Holly. Sending love to you, Dan and all sides of your family" followed by a heart emoji.
The family death is the latest thing to hit Holly this year, following weeks of turmoil on This Morning surrounding the Phillip Schofield scandal. Phil stepped down from the show and parted ways with ITV altogether after admitting to having an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague while he was married.
It followed weeks of allegations that his once close relationship with former best friend Holly had soured. After news of Phillip's affair went public, Holly said she had been let down by her pal while Phil later went on to say she had not replied to his apology texts.
Since the scandal broke, Holly has since gone on to present This Morning with co-stars Josie Gibson, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Craig Doyle. A permanent replacement for Phillip has yet to be announced.
