Holly Willoughby is on holiday in Portugal with her family, posting a photo on Instagram while her new YouTube show, "Together," receives a mixed reception from critics.
The presenter, 45, shared a picture on Saturday wearing a bikini with a pink cover-up during her family's annual trip to their holiday villa. She captioned the post, "Happy Sunday."
Willoughby's new YouTube venture launched earlier this week and has drawn comparisons to Meghan Markle's lifestyle series. The Guardian described Willoughby's show as "a marginally less agonising With Love, Meghan," while The Telegraph stated that "Holly's dire show makes Meghan look good."
One particular review from The Telegraph's Anita Singh noted, "Not even Stanley Tucci can redeem this 50-minute borefest of awkward small talk, forced swearing and pie tin trivia." Singh also commented that "Holly Willoughby’s dire YouTube show makes Meghan look good," adding that "With Love, Meghan is a masterpiece compared to this borefest."
According to reports, Willoughby's show garnered 41,000 views within its first 24 hours on YouTube, and the channel has accumulated 11,000 subscribers. In comparison, "The Rest Is Entertainment" podcast, which launched in November 2023, has 138,000 subscribers and was a top UK entertainment podcast.
Early Reception
The first episode of "Together" features Willoughby and guest Stanley Tucci preparing a pasta dish. Critics have pointed to instances of what they perceived as forced conversation and awkward pacing. The Mirror noted that a 50-minute episode focused on a simple dish might have benefited from tighter editing.
Sarah Carson of The i Paper suggested that Willoughby's show is a "confused attempt to present herself as relatable," adding that the presenter "still hasn't decided which she wants to be." Carol Midgley of The Times, however, offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting the show looks appealing and that Willoughby might bring her existing fanbase with her, potentially attracting quality guests.
Stuart Heritage of The Guardian gave the show three stars, observing that Willoughby "has done a Meghan, rebranding herself as a cookery guru with a YouTube show that veers from agonisingly dull courgette slicing to sweary banter."
Upcoming episodes are slated to feature guests including Nicole Appleton, Emma Bunton, Katherine Ryan, and Joanne McNally.
Willoughby stepped down from her role on the television program "This Morning" in October 2023, following an incident where she was targeted in a plot to kidnap her. This followed a scandal involving her former co-host Phillip Schofield, who admitted to lying about a relationship with a younger colleague.
IMAGE3 IMAGE4 IMAGE6 IMAGE5