HOLLY Willoughby was the centre of attention as she made her return to the limelight this evening.
The presenter, 43, was pictured being embraced by her This Morning co-stars in a touching moment during tonight’s National Television Awards.
Looking delighted, Holly was surrounded by Ashley James, Rochelle Humes, Davina McCall, Alison Hammond, Craig Doyle and Dermot O’Leary.
It was the first time in almost a year that Holly has been seen on the showbiz circuit following her dramatic departure from This Morning last October.
She even appeared on stage to present an award – much to the delight of those watching at home.
Holly was greeted with a round of applause while giving out The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award, which I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here won.
Earlier in the evening she was seen embracing Dermot on the red carpet.
And delighted GMB host Susanna Reid shared a selfie with her, writing: “Welcome back @hollywilloughby so good to see you.”
The blonde beauty looked incredible in a sparkly silver gown while walking the red carpet outside The O2 Arena in London.
Last year Holly left the ITV daytime show after a plot to kidnap, rape, and murder her was revealed.
Security guard Gavin Plumb, 37, was later jailed for life for the plan.
Holly’s departure from the daytime show after 14 years also followed a rocky few months after co-host Phillip Schofield left.
While Holly has since been back on TV, fronting Dancing On Ice alongside Stephen Mulhern, the NTAs marks a major return to the spotlight for the telly host, who had slashed her workload.
Speaking to The Sun before making their way inside the arena, relief hosts Josie and Craig Doyle opened up about how much they missed working with Holly.
Craig said: “I don’t know what your family is like, but we all families have stuff that happens and you all stay together through it because that’s what a family is all about.
COMMENT BY ROD MCPHEE
THE only surprise at tonight’s National Television Awards was that there were virtually no surprises.
Ant and Dec took home Presenter Award for the millionth time, Strictly bagged the Talent Show gong and I’m A Celebrity triumphed in the Entertainment category.
Kate Garraway scooping the authored documentary award for Derek’s Story was entirely deserved, but not a total shock either as she’d already done the same two years ago with Caring for Derek.
There were a few curveballs. Emmerdale beating Goliath soaps EastEnders and Corrie was unexpected, particularly as the rivals have both boasted big storylines recently.
And though there was no doubting how hugely moving Mr BatesVs The Post Office was for viewers this year, it was still stunning to see them bag three awards.
Does the general lack of surprises diminish the thrill of the NTAs? Not at all. It remains one of the few awards shows which actually gauges what the majority of Brits are actually watching.
We live in a bewildering world where scandals often rock shows, in an age where streaming means the shared experience is diminished and ratings are hard to decipher.
But year in, year out NTA voters leave us in no doubt which shows they adore, which ones they’ve fallen out of love with, and which celebrities they’re prepared to back.
Look at how quickly relatively new shows like The Traitors, Bridgerton and The 1% Club have been embraced by NTA voters.
They aren’t interested in PR stunts and promotion, in highbrow actors and writers lauded by their fellow luvvies and they certainly can’t stand having what they ought to be watching dictated to them
They tell us all loud and clear, every year, who they consider to be the best – and woe betide any telly exec who ignores them.
“And actually that stuff makes you a bit tighter and appreciate each other, it’s grand.”
Josie added: “We absolutely adore Holly and she’s one of the greats, she’s one of the greatest broadcasters of all time.
“She makes it look so seamless and she’s a gorgeous person and she’s amazing, we miss her terribly.”
As Craig chimed in with: “It’s the easiest day in the studio when you’re sitting beside Holly isn’t it? She’s grown up and we’re not.”
