Holly Willoughby has revealed that This Morning guests are still quite reserved when it comes to hugging after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ITV host, 41, has spilled some behind-the-scenes gossip, explaining that certain guests who come on the morning show are not keen on idea of hugging Holly or her co-host, Phillip Schofield, 60.
Despite the fact that the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted on set almost a year ago now, guests are still not rushing to throw their arms around one another.
“It feels like we’re up to full capacity again now with guests coming back in. It feels like the good old days," Holly recently told The Mirror.
“Although you still have that moment when someone walks towards you when they come on the sofa - I follow their lead really if they go in for a handshake or a hug.”
Phillip also agreed that while he and his friends are hugging again, it is yet to become the norm with the show’s guests.
The presenter said: "It’s interesting that we are having to re-learn how to do that - not amongst our friendship groups but with guests who come in and we say ‘are we hugging?’ It scarred us all in some way and I don’t think we’ll ever forget that it happened because it was damaging on so many different levels.
“Some say, ‘I’ve almost forgotten how to be sociable’ so it might take a few of us a while to get back to normal.”
Holly and Phil are finally back on our screens on September 5 after taking the summer off.
The pair are great friends outside the show too, and have enjoyed spending their summer together with barbecues and Alison Hammond even stayed with Phil at his house.
Phil has described the show as his support group, and the pair have enjoyed a lot of time together this summer as they took their usual break for the school holidays. Holly finds it 'really nice' being able to see each other away from the studio too.
Holly also insisted that the group at the show are very close and all love to hang out throughout the summer too.
She added: "We really have so much fun on the show. We're one great big family and that's what makes the show so special and unique.
"We definitely miss that during the summer, but we all stay in touch and will see each other during the break, so it's lovely to be on holiday mode together and catch up outside of the studio."
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV and ITV Hub.
