HOLLY SUMMIT
Inside Holly Willoughby’s ‘secret meeting with ITV at her home that talked her into returning to show’
'Holly didn't go out in public until last week so it was impossible to meet with anyone unless they went to her'
AN ITV presenter secretly met with Holly Willoughby at her home to persuade her to return to Dancing On Ice, sources have claimed.
Following weeks of speculation, ITV on Wednesday confirmed Holly would be back on screens for the first time since announcing her This Morning departure in October.
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Holly has been keeping a low profile since leaving This Morning and news broke of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.
The 42-year-old, who signed a one-year contract deal to return to her hosting gig on Dancing On Ice, will be reunited with long-time pal and new co-host Stephen Mulhern.
Stephen replaced Phillip Schofield, who left ITV over his relationship with a young runner on This Morning.
Sources have now claimed it was Stephen who was able to talk Holly into returning to Dancing On Ice.
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According to the , the Catchphrase host visited Holly at her home, with ITV insiders saying that Holly became less anxious about her TV comeback knowing that her longtime friend would be hosting alongside her.
In their 20s, the pair hosted ITV children’s show Ministry Of Mayhem — later named Holly And Stephen’s Saturday Shakedown.
An ITV source said: "Holly didn't go out in public until last week so it was impossible to meet with anyone unless they went to her. She has been terrified.
"So Stephen went round to see her where they talked it all through.
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"She then started to veer towards doing the show. Stephen is so excited.
"They pretty much started together so it is really quite special that two decades later he is at Holly's side after what has been such a difficult time."
The pair briefly hosted Dancing On Ice together last year when Stephen, 46, stood in after 61-year-old Phillip got Covid.
Earlier this week a TV source said: “Everyone is absolutely delighted Holly has decided to return — she’s such an integral and popular part of Dancing On Ice.
“Holly feels happy and energised and new co-host Stephen is thrilled she’s on board. He’s sent a supportive message already.”
The source continued: “Stephen signing up to the show was really what swayed it, and it’s obvious that Holly is already feeling more relaxed about being back on screens as she will be stood by a close friend.
“He’s the comfort blanket that she needed to keep her calm about coming back, especially given they started their telly careers together.”
Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s head of entertainment commissioning, said: “Reuniting them marks the start of an exciting year for the show.”
Stephen told The Sun in November: “I’d be crazy not to do it. Holly is a dream partner to work with.”
Holly has been content to spend time with husband Dan Baldwin and their three kids.
Producers drew up a list of possible replacements including Josie Gibson, Rochelle Humes and Christine Lampard, but were keen to tempt her back.
The source said: “Bosses have been working hard to ensure she feels completely secure, trying not to put any pressure on all while making sure she knows they are ready to support her every step of the way.”
Last week The Sun revealed producers were keen to demonstrate how they could increase security for the celebrity skating competition, which returns on January 14.
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