Holly Willoughby Felt Insecure About Her Figure During 'Waif Era'

Holly Willoughby has spoken about feeling insecure about her body shape during her youth, particularly due to the prevailing beauty standards of the 1990s, often referred to as the 'waif era.' Willoughby, 45, discussed this topic on her YouTube series, 'Together,' during a conversation with comedian Joanne McNally.

"We grew up in a time of Kate Moss waif, so that was not my friend growing up," Willoughby said. She explained that her "big curvy bottom" was not something she felt confident about during that period. McNally contrasted this, noting that Willoughby now possesses a figure many aspire to, referencing the popularity of waist trainers and cosmetic procedures for achieving similar silhouettes.

Willoughby has previously expressed reluctance to discuss dieting or her appearance in detail, aiming to avoid promoting unhealthy attitudes towards food and body image. In an interview with Prima magazine in 2018, she stated, "I don’t want to encourage eating disorders. I try not to focus too much on my appearance. As long as I’m being healthy, that’s good enough for me."

The 'waif era' of the 1990s was characterized by ultra-thin models dominating fashion runways and media. Kate Moss became a prominent figure associated with this aesthetic. Her controversial 2009 remark, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels," drew criticism from eating disorder campaigners who felt it glamorized unhealthy body standards.

Willoughby's current YouTube series, 'Together,' has featured a variety of segments. Recent episodes included an emotional interview with a bereaved mother and a cooking segment with Stanley Tucci. The series has garnered a significant viewership, with its first episode outperforming other shows on its launch day. This project marks a return to public life for Willoughby after stepping down from 'This Morning' in October 2023, following a period of intense scrutiny and a highly publicized stalking ordeal. Willoughby has stated that she is not overly concerned with public reaction to her return, noting that having experienced genuine fear has altered her perspective.