EXCLUSIVE: Presenter Holly Willoughby could have the opportunity of a lifetime to tap into a very lucrative market as beloved ice skating competition Dancing on Ice is axed from ITV
Holly Willoughby is in the “perfect” position for a very specific career change.
In an exclusive interview and speaking on behalf of Betfred Lotto, celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius explained that “a break from ITV” could be a “positive turning point” for the TV presenter. Dancing on Ice was recently axed from the channel, leaving Holly without any current positions at ITV.
Kayley said: “For nearly two decades, much of her identity and brand were intertwined with Phillip Schofield. ITV’s decision to pair her with Stephen Mulhern felt like an attempt to fill a Schofield-shaped void, but the chemistry simply didn’t match what she once shared with Phil.”
“Unsurprisingly, this left many viewers underwhelmed, and nearly two years on, the shadow of the Schofield scandal still lingers over Holly’s career. If she is to move forward successfully, breaking free from that association will be crucial.”
Kayley noted that the world has changed “dramatically” since Holly first started out in television, a medium which “continues to lose its influence as social media takes centre stage.”
Instead of continuing her career in TV, Willoughby might find more success elsewhere: “By shifting her focus online and leveraging her presenting skills in a digital-first way, Holly has the opportunity to reinvent her public image. There is a huge demand for mum-led wellness content and by tapping into this space she could carve out a fresh and independent identity.”
Willoughby launched her brand Wylde Moon back in 2021 and Kayley says this has helped “signal her interest in the lifestyle sector,” however so far its “impact has been limited”. This could be “due to a marketing approach that didn’t quite hit the mark” and the “wellness market being so saturated.”
“Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands with a strong personal narrative. This is why so many company founders now take a hands-on approach to their brand’s marketing, fostering a genuine connection with their audience.”
“With millions of online followers, Holly has the perfect foundation for a thriving digital career. Embracing online trends—where content is more personal and engaging—would not only strengthen her bond with existing followers but also attract new ones.”
Away from the TV cameras, some of Holly’s most popular content already shows her posing in outfits and showing off her latest looks. This could help the presenter establish a larger audience: “Modernising this through short-form videos—favoured by platforms like Instagram and TikTok—would add a more relatable, human touch while also boosting visibility.”
“Using features such as Instagram Stories to speak directly to her audience and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her daily life would further deepen that connection, allowing fans to see a more authentic side of her beyond the polished TV persona.”
“The rise of social media has paved the way for new stars like GK Barry, making the TV industry more competitive than ever. With demand driving opportunities, maintaining a strong presence across both television and social media will be key for Holly to stay relevant and stand out.”
Not only would this change solidify a larger loyal fanbase, but Kayley explained that it could help “unlock a range of new media opportunities in TV and beyond”.
“With no major commitments currently tying her down, now is the perfect time for Holly to redefine her public image and explore fresh ventures—whether that’s launching a podcast, writing a tell-all memoir about her career, or something entirely new.”
“However, success in these areas will depend on audience backing, which is why posting content that truly resonates with her followers will be key in shaping this next chapter.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
