Holly Willoughby’s Surprising ITV Departure Leaves Fans Asking: What’s Next for the TV Favorite?
After more than two decades of lighting up ITV screens, Holly Willoughby is officially without a primetime show on the network—a first in her 21-year career. The beloved presenter, once hailed as ITV’s golden girl, has left fans stunned after turning down a high-profile Saturday night role, signaling a dramatic shift in her television journey.
A Career Crossroads for Holly
At 44, Holly has long been a familiar face on ITV and ITV2, hosting flagship shows such as This Morning, Dancing On Ice, Surprise Surprise, Celebrity Juice, and I’m A Celebrity: Extra Camp. Most notably, she co-hosted This Morning with Phillip Schofield from 2009 until 2023 and fronted Dancing On Ice from its debut in 2006. But that era seems to be coming to an end.
Following ITV’s decision to “rest” Dancing On Ice in 2026 due to declining viewership, and Holly’s recent decision to pass on hosting the reboot of You Bet! with Stephen Mulhern, she currently holds no primetime slots on the channel. For a presenter who once seemed inseparable from the ITV brand, this marks a major turning point.
Netflix Beckons
While ITV may be losing its star, streaming giant Netflix appears to be snapping her up. Holly’s hosting debut on Celebrity Bear Hunt, a reality series led by Bear Grylls, reportedly impressed Netflix executives so much that they’re eager to work with her on more global projects. Insiders hint that this could be the start of an exciting international chapter for the seasoned presenter.
“She’s no longer tied down by four-day-a-week commitments on This Morning,” a source told the Daily Mail. “That freedom opens the door to bigger, global opportunities—and Netflix could be a big part of that.”
Turning Down You Bet! – A Bold Move
ITV had hoped to make Holly their new Saturday night star by reviving You Bet!, a classic game show, with her and Stephen Mulhern at the helm. But Holly declined the lucrative offer, citing scheduling conflicts. “She has other commitments and couldn’t make it work,” the source confirmed, adding that she might still make guest appearances.
This decision disappointed ITV bosses but may signal Holly’s growing ambition to expand beyond traditional UK television.
A Multifaceted Career
Away from presenting, Holly runs her successful wellness and lifestyle brand Wylde Moon and has collaborated with major companies like Marks & Spencer, Diet Coke, and Oral B. Her business empire is estimated to be worth over £10 million.
She also co-hosted Freeze The Fear with Wim Hof on BBC in 2022—proof that her appeal extends beyond ITV and into other major British networks.
Dancing On Ice Axed After Record-Low Ratings
ITV’s announcement to put Dancing On Ice on ice came after the 2025 finale saw its lowest-ever viewership. Just 2.7 million tuned in to watch Coronation Street star Sam Aston win the latest season—far below the 12 million it once pulled in at its peak.
An ITV spokesperson confirmed:
“Dancing On Ice will be rested in 2026 with no current plans for another series. We thank all cast and crew for their work over 17 series.”
With her long-standing show gone and no immediate plans with ITV, Holly’s calendar—and future—appear wide open.
What’s Next for Holly?
For now, Holly’s next steps remain under wraps, but the possibilities are endless. From expanding her global footprint with Netflix to launching new ventures through her lifestyle brand, one thing is clear—Holly Willoughby isn’t going anywhere. She’s just moving in a bold, new direction.
Stay tuned.