HOLLY Willoughby is set to make her last appearance as team captain on Celebrity Juice tonight – but won’t have a big send-off due to the current lockdown measures.
The 39-year-old announced her departure from the comedy panel show earlier this week following 12 years as a team captain.
Discussing her departure on Good Morning Britain via videolink, host Keith Lemon said the ITV darling won’t be getting a big goodbye moment due to the governments current social distancing guidelines.
“Tonight’s her last show. Next week we’ve got a programme which is looking back at Celebrity Juice. I have a chat with Holly and say goodbye to her,” he said.
“Yeah, it is a shame that it’s virtual rather than in a studio because I do love hugging Holly Willoughby, she gives good hugs.”
After GMB host Susanna Reid suggested that they would “have to do [a proper send off] over FaceTime or Skype”, Lemon revealed that he does at least have a goodbye message for her in next week’s show.
Meanwhile, Keith also revealed that he currently has no idea who could be hired to replace Holly as team captain, although he could have a better idea now.
“I’ve got a meeting about it today, so we’ve got to get the right chemistry and everything,” he said. “I don’t know who it is. I’ve seen a lot of names touted around.
“I saw Michelle Keegan was in the running, she’s a lovely lady. But nobody has been discussed, it’s all going to happen today.”
Announcing she was stepping down as team captain this week, Holly shared a collection of her best times with Keith on Instagram and wrote how “all good things must come to an end”.
She said: “Thank you @celebjuiceofficial for 12 years of fantastic chaos… I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone.
“Thank you to you all for watching.. we’ve always had the loudest and best audiences.
“…it’s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out… Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work… all good things must come to an end and nothing lasts forever…
Holly told her yet-to-be-named successor they were in for an incredible time.
She continued: “It’s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky lucky person… whoever that is, know you are about to get one of the best jobs in telly working with one of comedies finest… @keithlemon …
“Where to begin… I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘I think this might work’… my goodness me it did… three friends, you me and @fearnecotton … and that is what is at the heart of it.. friendship…
“I love the bones of you Lemon! Thank you for making me laugh for twelve years… I’ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check… if I don’t see you through a week or next week or the week after… know you are always in my heart….”
The TV presenter, 39, who has three children with her producer husband Dan Baldwin, 45, wants to spend more time with her family.
Leigh Francis posted a touching tribute to the star on his alias Keith Lemon’s Instagram page.
He wrote: “Love this woman. What an incredible sport. Always willing to get her hands dirty and join in. One of the boys but all woman. A wicked sense of humour and very easy to look at.
“Don’t look into her eyes though, ‘cos she can make you do anything. What a lady! King of the ladies!
“The queen of the milk beasts! The one and only @hollywilloughby face of an angel but can have the potty mouth of . . . well me I guess.
“Super rad! Super nice! My mate! I salute all your wonderfulness. Massive hugs.”
Holly replied: “Aww . . . what a lovely thing to say . . . love you Lemon.”
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