Holly Willoughby has sent a hidden message to her fans and This Morning viewers as she appeared on the show without Phillip Schofield. The hosting duo have been back fronting the ITV daytime programme this week but as Wednesday's edition (March 8) of the show go underway, Holly was going it alone - sort of.
The 42-year-old was without her co-host but was joined by numerous other female colleagues as they marked International Women's Day. After the opening credits rolled, Holly was seen sat in the middle of the show's famous sofa surrounded by her fellow women as she cheered: "Hello and welcome to your Wednesday This Morning and happy International Women's Day."
Explaining what was happening as Lizzo's hit track 'Good As Hell' played out in the background, the mum-of-three continued: "Well look at this. What a lovely way to start the show! To celebrate International Women's Day we wanted to start with the incredible ladies that help put this show together - from our hard-working runners and producers to our wonderful crew and incredible line-up of This Morning experts."
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She added: "We are very proud to work with you amazing women. You are all brilliant. Give yourself a huge round of applause." Holly, who has two sons and a daughter with her husband Dan Baldwin, then went on to share her own emotional message.
She said: "I just wanted to say within your workplace, you are obviously all brilliant, but we all know this is just the tip of the iceberg and actually, our lives are very full and busy. You know, the juggle and the struggle feels very real sometimes. Sometimes we feel on top of the world, sometimes we feel like we're just keeping our heads above water and sometimes we feel like we're actually going under...
"But all of the women here, and to a lot of the women I know who will be watching, I just want to say you are brilliant because you keep pushing things forward and that means so much and that is a real inspiration. Well done all you glorious women. We love you."
But Phillip wasn't completely off the show. The 60-year-old was just outside the studio waiting to surprise a special viewer in a nearby cafe. "Happy International Women's Day! I'm about to surprise a very special lady called Chloe Hammond live on air," Phillip explained as he stood outside.
"She's with her mum, Jackie, who got in touch with us because she thinks Chloe deserves a special treat this International Women's Day," he added before explaining how Chloe was diagnosed with a rare disease at 15 years old but hasn't let it hold her back and has overcome many challenges to become one of the country's only disable nurses.
"We think she's an inspiration so we're going to celebrate her," Phillip added before heading off into the cafe where Chloe was left stunned by his appearance - and the fact that he knew her and her mum's name.
Meanwhile, Holly took to Instagram before the show to show off her outfit which sent a hidden message to fans and viewers. The TV presenter and businesswoman could be seen donning a purple long-sleeved jumper which she wore tucked in to a purple flower-patterned skirt that hugged her fabulous curves.
"Morning Wednesday… " she started the caption of her post to her millions of followers. "Join us for a celebration of International Women’s Day … we will be surprising a very determined and inspiring woman… can’t say any more than that… see you 10am @thismorning … #hwstyle."
And fans were quick to comment. @honestly_becky said: "Gorgeous outfit! I love the colour (I’m wearing the same shade today!)." @xoxoxo.rachelle.oxoxox commented: "Love this outfit on you holly!! You look fab." @sharon_goslin_k wrote: "You look beautiful Holly. Happy women’s international day to you xx."
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