Golden Girl: Happy 40th Birthday, Holly!

As she enters a new decade ok! Traces Holly Willoughby’s path to telly stardom

- Ellie Kirwin, Anna Matheson

She’s the reigning queen of daytime telly, with a long presenting career under her belt as well as a gorgeous family. But as mum-of-three Holly Willoughby approaches her 40th birthday, it seems the relatable presenter is hoping her next decade will give her the chance to focus on herself.

Holly, who’ll be celebrating her 40th on 10 February, has previously opened up about the milestone birthday. “I see my forties as a chance to find myself again and figure out who I am,” she explained, “My thirties have been all about the kids – bringing them up, keeping all these balls afloat – but now they’re getting older, there’s a bit more space where I can start focusing on things that are happening for me.”

Holly started as out as a model, but hasn’t looked back since she made her television debut on CITV’s S Club TV in 2000. It wasn’t long before ITV bosses realised they were on to a winner with the bubbly blonde. In 2004, she was booked to front Ministry Of Mayhem (later renamed Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown) alongside her good friend Stephen Mulhern.