Holly Willoughby is enjoying a family holiday in Portugal, sharing a relaxed bikini photo on Instagram with her followers. The television presenter, 45, posted the update on Sunday as she continues her annual getaway.
Willoughby's holiday comes days after the launch of her new YouTube show, 'Together.' The show, which debuted on Tuesday, has garnered mixed reactions from critics. Some reviews have been particularly harsh, with comparisons drawn to Meghan Markle's Netflix lifestyle series.
The first episode of 'Together' featured Willoughby and actor Stanley Tucci preparing a pasta dish. Critics noted attempts at relatability through casual language and innuendos, but found the content lacking. The Guardian described the show as a "marginally less agonising With Love, Meghan," while The Telegraph called it "dire."
According to reports, the debut episode had garnered 41,000 views on YouTube within 24 hours of its release, with the channel attracting 11,000 subscribers. This contrasts with other entertainment podcasts in the UK, such as 'The Rest Is Entertainment,' which launched in November 2023 and has since accumulated 138,000 subscribers.
Critiques have focused on several aspects of the show, including shaky camera work and an extended running time. The Telegraph's Anita Singh wrote that "not even Stanley Tucci can redeem this 50-minute borefest of awkward small talk, forced swearing and pie tin trivia." The Mirror suggested that a tighter episode length might have been more effective and that having multiple guests could enhance conversation.
The i Paper's Sarah Carson commented that 'Together' "is a confused attempt to present herself as relatable," suggesting that Willoughby had not yet decided whether to embrace imperfection or glamour. The Times' Carol Midgley acknowledged that the show "looks nice" and that Willoughby's profile might attract quality guests, praising Tucci's presence.
Future episodes of 'Together' are slated to feature guests including Nicole Appleton, Emma Bunton, Katherine Ryan, and Joanne McNally. Willoughby stepped down from her role on 'This Morning' in October 2023, following a previously reported kidnap plot against her and the scandal involving her former co-host Phillip Schofield. Her time on 'This Morning' ended almost three years after the show faced controversy when Schofield admitted to lying about a relationship with a younger colleague.