Holly gets a 'wake-up call'

As This Morning loses its NTAs crown, new considers how Holly Willoughby has been affected by a tough year

It was a very different National Television Awards this year for Holly Willoughby. After 12 years of glorious wins for Best Daytime TV Show or Best Live Magazine Show alongside her former This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield, the show lost out to BBC One’s The Repair Shop, and the star was faced with a booing crowd following the most drama-fuelled year in the show’s 35-year history.

A source told new the audience’s cold reaction was a “wake-up call” for former golden girl Holly, 42, adding that they think she may be concerned about her future on the show, after her long-time co-host and former best friend Phillip left in May when his affair with a younger colleague was revealed.

“I think she knows the public is struggling to welcome her back in,” said our source, adding that one of Holly’s current co-hosts, Alison Hammond – who was nominated for Best TV Presenter for the second year running, while Holly missed out – is the new “number one girl”.

As a result, the source believes Holly may be worried about her future on the This Morning sofa.

“The booing was a wake-up call for Holly,” they said. “Alison is now the popular girl. Everyone loves her because she’s so down to earth.”

On her way into the awards, which were held at London’s O2 Arena, Holly took her time walking the red carpet, stopping to speak to the media and posing for photographs for longer than she has in previous years.

When new caught up with Holly at the event, she admitted the last 12 months have been tough.