Holy Willoughby has been hit by a family tragedy, as she takes an extended break from This Morning until the autumn.
While she had been at the helm of the ITV daytime programme for the last two weeks, hosting alongside fan favourite Craig Doyle,. Holly was nowhere to be seen on Monday, with no explanation given as Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary began an extended stint as main presenters.
It's become tradition for Holly to take leave at the time as school holidays, but unlike in previous years, when she and now former This Morning colleague, Phillip Schofield have officially 'signed off' for summer, Holly made no such announcement as she hosted her final show for a few months with Craig on Thursday.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby takes This Morning break as ITV host replaced by 'favourite' duo
And, as she began her break from hosting duties at the weekend, Holly took to Instagram to reveal the devastating news that her mother-in-law Sandra had died. Shjari9ng a photo of the two of them together, Holy 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"
Holly added: "Thank you for raising the incredible man I’m married to… I see your strength everyday in our children… Be at peace…Love you."
Among the many people to offer support to Holy was her This Morning co-star Vanesa Feltz, who responded: "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 " Mark Wright, a regular guest on the show, also sent his condolences, writing: "Sorry for your loss Hol & Dan."
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