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HOLLY'S LOLLY

Holly Willoughby earned £23,000 a DAY hosting I’m A Celebrity, accounts reveal

HOLLY Willoughby pocketed a cool £500,000 last year during her stint on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.

The TV presenter, 38, replaced Ant McPartlin, 43, because of his self-imposed break from television to seek help for drink and drug addiction.

 Holly helped the show pocket its highest ever ratings in its first week last year
Holly helped the show pocket its highest ever ratings in its first week last yearCredit: Rex Features
 Ant McPartlin decided to take a break from the limelight to seek help for his booze and drug addiction
Ant McPartlin decided to take a break from the limelight to seek help for his booze and drug addictionCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Holly Willoughby was ITV bosses first choice to take on the role and they used a big cash offer to tempt her in.

A TV source said: “Holly was the first choice to stand in for Ant on the show and the six figure offer reflected how much they wanted to get her on board.

“She’s so popular and she’s got a great relationship with Dec, it was a no brainer.

“Holly’s worth her weight in gold and the fee reflects that.”

 Holly Willoughby earned £500,000 for replacing Ant McPartlin on I'm A Celebrity last year
Holly Willoughby earned £500,000 for replacing Ant McPartlin on I'm A Celebrity last yearCredit: Rex Features
 She was ITV bosses' first choice to take on the role
She was ITV bosses' first choice to take on the roleCredit: Rex Features

According to documents at Companies House for her firm Roxy Media, Holly had £2,106,734 in the bank at the end of February of this year, up from £1,520,802 from the year before.

It means she earned around £23,000 a day for her three weeks worth of work in Australia deputising for Ant.

Holly temporarily waved goodbye to This Morning last November after she landed the job as Ant's I'm A Celeb replacement.

Although she was a huge hit with fans, Holly was only there to step in for Ant for one series.

 Holly Willoughby has a great relationship with Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly
Holly Willoughby has a great relationship with Ant McPartlin and Dec DonnellyCredit: Rex Features

At the time, Phillip assured viewers it was only a "caretaker role", adding: "Holly has been a triumph in the jungle.

"I am so pleased because it's worked out so well for Dec in what was a tricky situation.

"It was always going to be a difficult series for Dec so I was happy Holly was able to step in."

An ITV source said: “Holly did a top job on the jungle filling in for Ant, and she was rewarded handsomely. She was one of the highlights of last year and her pay packet reflects that.”

 Holly made £23,000 a day during her time on the jungle
Holly made £23,000 a day during her time on the jungleCredit: Rex Features
 Phillip Schofield said he was happy Holly was able to step in
Phillip Schofield said he was happy Holly was able to step inCredit: Rex Features
Will Holly Willoughby be returning to I’m A Celebrity 2019 with Ant and Dec?

 


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