Holly Willoughby has been spotted enjoying a sunny holiday in Portugal with her family as the This Morning scandal continues.
The 42-year-old was pictured drinking pints on the beach with her loved ones just days before her scheduled return to This Morning on Monday. Holly is pictured in a black swimming costume with dark denim shorts alongside a white sun hat.
In pictures obtained by the Mirror, Holly was spotted carrying a bottle of water over to her family with a couple of ice lollies in her short pocket. The mother of three has been absent from This Morning since Phillip Schofield, 61, announced his immediate departure.
After Phillip announced his exit from the show, ITV announced that Holly would return to the flagship show after an extended half-term break. Phillip later admitted to having an affair with a younger male colleague on This Morning and has since cut ties with ITV completely.
After his statement confirming the affair, Holly penned: "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."
Despite calls for her to resign and speculation on the future of This Morning, Holly has no intentions of stepping down and 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 told The Mirror.
“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.”
Before Schofield’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.”
At the time his immediate departure was announced, Phillip commented: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
“So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month.”
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