Holly Willoughby forced to miss This Morning because of new lockdown rules

Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby was forced to skip her spot on This Morning yesterday after suffering a parenting mishap that so many Brits are facing right now.

England was plunged into lockdown part three on Monday, with schools across the country being forced to close last minute by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the hope of curbing the new strain of Covid-19.

But that left many families struggling to find childcare or arrange homeschooling - especially if they are a key worker and Holly Willoughby was among the mums and dads left with nobody to look after the kids.

The popular presenter was forced to stay at home with her children Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, six, who she shares with TV producer husband Dan Baldwin, on what should've been her second day back on the show after her Christmas break.

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But her absence was short-lived as after putting a plan into action, Holly returned to the sofa of the ITV daytime show with Phillip Schofield today, who had been holding the fort with Rochelle Humes.

Phillip had initially said Holly needed to spend a couple of extra days with the family but later joked, "Holly's not around today. She's just about to wrap up her filming commitments with The Masked Singer.

He continued, "She will be back with us tomorrow. The Badger, who would have thought it? Unbelievable but I guessed it from the off."

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To which Rochelle replied, You’re so naughty! But Phillip couldn't resist a final tease, he explained, "We'll also say good morning to Holly who is watching at home, as Badger. She's dealing with her childcare issues at the moment and she will be back tomorrow."

And true to his word, after her absence Holly returned to the sofa but she didn't hold back on reporting how stressed she was feeling.

She declared that she was "just about holding on" as she admitted it was "lovely to be back".

She told viewers, "How are you, I've missed you! Are you all okay? I think we are just about holding on! Still holding on! Happy New Year!"

Good to have you back Holly!

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)