Beeb's plot to poach Holly

BBC BOSSES have stepped up their campaign to woo Holly Willoughby... swooping while ITV is engulfed in scandal.

- LAURA ARMSTRONG

Top executives are plotting new shows for the host of This Morning and one chief contacted her directly within the past few days.

The timing was significant - as the storm over her former co-host Phillip Schofield hit new heights.

Holly, 42, built up a good relationship with BBC bosses while presenting ice challenge show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof last year.

And their new bid to lure her came amid revelations that an external investigation would probe safeguarding at ITV in the wake of Phillip's affair with a younger colleague.

The latest move for Holly - who was set to return home last night after a family break - came after Beeb bosses held high-level talks about projects they could offer her.

A source said yesterday: "Holly has had a good relationship and an open dialogue with BBC bosses since she hosted Freeze the Fear.

"Ever since then they have been keen to sign her up for another project and have bent over backwards to offer her other opportunities.

"So the ongoing drama at ITV has played into their hands.

"The bosses have had conversations this week about what they could offer her going forward.

GLITTERING

"And one executive reached out to her directly earlier in the week.