Holly Willoughby’s BBC deal ‘on hold’ after leaving This Morning
Holly Willoughby has reportedly "lost a huge BBC deal" after leaving This Morning, following 14 years of presenting the show.
BBC bosses were said to have been keen on signing Holly, 42, for a "golden handcuffs" deal, but her exit from This Morning amid a turbulent year for the star, is said to have put plans on hold.
A source told The Sun: "Holly isn't going to be signed up on an exclusive deal for the BBC—or to be the face of any of their new shows—at this moment in time.
“Their golden handcuffs deals are few and far between and Holly was being lined up to become a major player for them."
The source continued: "But after seeing everything that has unfolded over the past five months, the BBC wants to give her some breathing space before making any offers."
BBC Content chief Charlotte Moore had allegedly been working to build a bond between the BBC and Holly Willoughby, with plans to make her a "significant player" on the network, despite her long-running ties with ITV, on some of their top shows such as This Morning and Dancing on Ice.
The BBC are thought to be holding back on any decisions regarding Holly whilst ITV await the results of an independent investigation into This Morning.
The network is keen on giving Holly some "breathing space" as she takes some time away from television to focus on her family, but talks between the BBC and Holly could happen in the future.
OK! has contacted Holly's reps and BBC for comment.
It comes after reports that ITV has been inundated with job applications to replace Holly after she stepped down from her role as This Morning's main presenter.
Insiders at ITV claim that within minutes of her resignation, they were swamped with calls from agents putting their celebrity clients forward for the role.
The Daily Mail reports a number of big names from news, sport, and entertainment have reached out to the broadcaster in hopes of landing the job.
The publication claims that presenters from the BBC have even made pleas to switch over to the rival channel.
A This Morning presenter told MailOnline: "The phones haven't stopped ringing as television, radio personalities put their names forward to host the show.
"Every broadcaster, from the world of news, sport, entertainment, has been in touch with bosses.
"Agents have been in contact with ITV bosses to put forward their stars in the hope to take the helm of the two and a half-hour daily show."
The source added that showbiz names are attracted to the "loyal audience'" This Morning has to offer, as well as the 'lucrative' brand deals they can earn from the fame.
On 10 October, 2023, Holly made the announcement that she was leaving This Morning after 14 years of hosting, as she said she felt the time was right to make the decision for her family.
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