Cringing This Morning fans brand Holly Willoughby’s big return ‘worst opening ever’ as she dances with Alison Hammond
HOLLY Willoughby’s grand return to This Morning fell flat with viewers after a bizarre Abba theme routine left them cringing.
The sun beamed down on White City Studios as ITV‘s golden girl, 42, reunited with Alison Hammond, 48, after her lengthy summer break.
Holly had been missing from the famous sofa for seven weeks as she fully recharged following the turmoil that engulfed This Morning in the spring.
Phillip Schofield, Holly’s longtime best pal and co-star, was axed from the show and ITV more widely after admitting to an affair with a much younger male colleague.
But her return to the hotseat was greeted with the cast of Mamma Mia belting out Dancing Queen as Holly, along with show regulars , Alison and Gyles Brandreth – who was dressed head to toe in eye-catching pink – waved their arms and danced to the music.
As the music faded out, Holly embraced Alison and gushed how happy she was to see her,
It was certainly upbeat and brimming with positivity, but viewers felt it tipped over into sickly territory.
One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “They couldn’t have possibly opened the show worse than this.”
Another said: “I’ve had surgeries more enjoyable than this.”
A third wrote: “This is it, we’ve reached peak cringe.”
A fourth exclaimed: “What the actual f**k.”
Although the routine was widely panned,proved a hit.
She teased her white and navy polka dot number before the show and was inundated with praise.
Alison also looked great on the famous sofa in a green and yellow outfit.
A new trailer that aired over the weekend has placed Holly centre stage, showing the channel still has faith in her.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “Holly is the future and ITV wanted to make that clear. It’s a sure sign that she is at the helm and the other presenters will join her.
“It’s a brand new start for This Morning, the scandal could have destroyed it but it has managed to keep going. There is a lot of excitement.”
