Holly Willoughby appears to have decided that playing it safe is officially off the menu. The presenter has faced backlash after interviewing controversial adult content creator Lily Phillips for her show. Phillips, 25, has built a fortune through OnlyFans and made headlines for extreme stunts, including claims that she slept with 101 men in a single day. Holly's decision to interview her - and the friendly tone of their conversation - left some viewers furious.
One follower wrote, "So shocked at you doing this. This is so degrading for your career." Another said, "I am genuinely shocked to see this kind of behaviour being treated as normal or acceptable, particularly by someone I once regarded as one of the most respectable figures on television. You used to represent a certain standard of dignity and credibility."
But according to an insider, Holly isn't backing down. "Together is Holly's baby - she doesn't have to answer to ITV any more," the source said. "She wants to prove all the doubters wrong." The interview reportedly attracted more than 65,000 views, easily beating Holly's chicken Caesar salad episode, which drew fewer than 10,000. Her chats with Emma Bunton and Natalie Appleton reportedly reached around 35,000.
"On This Morning, Holly would have to take a more moral stance for a guest like Lily. But this is exactly the content Holly thinks she needs to bring an edge to her show," the insider said. The source added that Holly wants to embrace her cheekier Celebrity Juice side and explore more conversations about sex and relationships.
"She is tired of people thinking she's boring and safe," the insider said. Still, friends reportedly fear Holly could push things too far. "She really wants to shake things up to prove that there is life after This Morning," the source said. "But friends are worried that if it goes too far, she could end up getting cancelled."