ITV's Holly Willoughby has been seen on a family holiday in Portugal days before her planned return to This Morning. The TV presenter took some time off over half term to enjoy some sun ahead of her return to the show following co-host Phillip Schofield's dramatic departure.
Holly, 42, told fans she was "hurt" over her co-host's "lies", claiming her former friend had concealed his affair with a younger ITV colleague from her. She opened up after Phil confessed to a romance with a young male who was a This Morning runner while still married to wife Stephanie Lowe and he was subsequently dropped by ITV and his agent in the fall out last weekend.
Her holiday, planned before Phil's chaos, has allowed Holly to enjoy time away from the drama back home, instead enjoying some down time with her mum and family. In photos obtained by The Mirror, Holly could be seen smiling at a dinner table with her mum, Linda as she looks relaxed as she sat with her loved ones, engaged in conversation at the table
Read more: Phillip Schofield claims ITV forced him into 'grey closet' after being hired by broadcaster
The TV star has also been pictured enjoying a day on the beach with a pint in hand. While Holly kicks back in Portugal, Phil headed to Cornwall to spend time with his mum in the wake of his statement.
Responding to his confession last week, Holly said "When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not. It's been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."
ITV has granted Holly an extra week of holiday from This Morning on top of her planned half term holiday she was due to take alongside Phil before he left the show completely. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have been filling in for the usual presenters.
Holly is expected to return to the show next Monday. It is not yet known who will join her.
Following Holly's words, several former ITV celebrities, including Eamonn Holmes and Katie Hopkins have urged her to step down from her 13-year long role presenting the show with claims of 'irreparable' damage done by Phillip's announcement. However, a source told The Mirror Holly hopes to 'ride out the scandal'.
"Holly wants to stay at This Morning as long as she can, and hopes to ride out the scandal. Other stars like Stephen Mulhern are being approached to fill in for Phil when she returns. Some are reluctant to go in and face angry viewers," the source said.
"Holly is determined to stay put - the only reason she would leave now is if This Morning is axed. She has absolutely no plans to leave."
Phil stepped away from the show just over a week ago following reports of a feud with Holly, saying he wanted to protect its reputation. Last week (Friday, May 26) he admitted to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with his younger colleague and left ITV before being fired from his management company.
Before her former co-presenter's confession, Willoughby previously said of his exit: "It’s been over 13 great years presenting This Morning with Phil and I want to take this opportunity to thank him for all of his knowledge, his experience and his humour. The sofa won’t feel the same without him."
Earlier today, it was revealed that Jane McDonald would be replacing Philip Schofield as the host of the Soap Awards this Saturday. Schofield had vowed to continue hosting the annual event after quitting This Morning but announced he was stepping down and parting ways with ITV altogether after 'lying' to his agent and bosses about his affair.
Click here for more TV and celebrity news.
Read next:
