She was once the golden girl of TV, but Holly Willoughby’s career has been in turmoil in recent months.
As we have previously reported, the former This Morning host has been left without a TV gig for the first time in 21 years. ITV’s decision to end Dancing On Ice came after she had stepped back from the revamped You Bet!, while Bear Hunt has also been axed.
But now, sources tell us that Netflix has offered Holly, 44, a new seven-figure deal to open up her home for a reality show – and speak candidly on camera about her difficult times.
‘Although they’ve decided they don’t want another series of Bear Hunt, Netflix bosses loved working with Holly and are making her lots of offers. They are desperate for her to do a reality show in the style of David Beckham’s Beckham, and Victoria’s upcoming documentary – and are prepared to pay huge money for it,’ says an insider.
‘There’s talk of £5million being offered, as Holly has never really shown her home on camera, or talked about certain aspects of her life, and there would be so much interest in it.’
While Holly gives glimpses of family time with her TV producer husband Dan Baldwin and their kids – Harry, 15, Belle, 14, and Chester, ten – as well as nights out with her celebrity friends on social media, a reality show would take things to the next level. Fans are already obsessed with the Wylde Moon founder’s outfits and beauty secrets – and TV bosses think millions would tune in to see more.
‘Holly is very flattered by all the talk,’ we’re told. ‘And while she has previously said her home life is off-limits, a big-money offer is quite tempting. If it were to be done in a respectful way, she may consider a reality show. Holly knows a docuseries like this will pay well, which means she can spend more time at home. And it won’t be as intense as live TV or fronting a long series. It will also show people a different side to her.’
The source continues, ‘She and her family love watching reality docuseries, and anyone Holly who has spoken to who has done one has had a positive experience, because they’ve been involved at each step – and that’s what she’d want, too. But, at the same time, she is worried that letting cameras in could open a can of worms.’
It has been, in Holly’s own words, a ‘tough’ few years. She quit her role on This Morning in 2023, after learning of a kidnap and murder plot by former security guard Gavin Plumb, who was sentenced to life in prison.
Her exit came five months after her former best friend and co-host Phillip Schofield left the show, following his admission of an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a much younger colleague. While both Phillip and Holly insisted she didn’t know about the affair, the scandal tarnished her reputation, too.
While she may be ready to move on, we’re told Holly would be expected to open up about her difficult times to earn her big pay cheque.
‘Netflix would want to get their money’s worth and they want exclusives,’ says our insider. ‘Of course, people will enjoy seeing her home and family life, but bosses know viewers will be tuning in to get Holly’s views on Phil, This Morning, her stalking ordeal, and how she had to basically start over again.’
Our insider adds that the presenter – who has not spoken about Phil since their friendship ended – has yet to reach a decision. ‘She no longer worries whether people will judge her for any decision she makes,’ they say. ‘Holly still has a lot to decide on and she needs to make sure it works for her and her family. But she knows what an exciting opportunity it is.’