Holly Willoughby has spoken about the insecurities she experienced during her youth, admitting that the "Kate Moss waif era" of the 1990s made her feel self-conscious about her body.

Speaking on her YouTube series "Together," the presenter, 45, reflected on the beauty standards prevalent during that decade. "We grew up in a time of Kate Moss waif, so that was not my friend growing up," Willoughby stated to comedian Joanne McNally, who was co-hosting the episode. McNally echoed this sentiment, recalling how having curves was "the most horrifying thing."

Willoughby explained her preference for clothing that accentuates her waist, noting, "I want to show my waist because that’s the smallest bit because my bum is big." McNally playfully disagreed, calling Willoughby's figure "perfect," a sentiment Willoughby rejected.

Willoughby's comments touch upon a controversial period in fashion history characterized by ultra-thin models on runways and magazine covers. Kate Moss became an icon of this "waif" aesthetic. Years later, Moss faced criticism for her remark, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels," which eating disorder campaigners argued glorified unhealthy body image standards.

This is not the first time Willoughby has addressed her public image. She has largely avoided discussing dieting in detail, previously stating her reluctance to overemphasize appearance for fear of encouraging unhealthy attitudes toward food. In a 2018 interview with Prima magazine, she said, "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 latest installment of "Together" also featured Willoughby becoming emotional while interviewing bereaved mother Ellen Roome. Earlier episodes have included segments with Stanley Tucci and Katherine Ryan. The series has garnered attention since its launch, with its first episode outperforming a rival show in views.

This series marks a chapter in Willoughby's gradual return to public life after stepping down from "This Morning" in October 2023. Her departure followed revelations of a plot to kidnap and murder her, and came months after her co-host Phillip Schofield admitted to lying about a relationship with a younger colleague.

Regarding the public's reception to her return, Willoughby recently told The Daily Mail's Katie Hind, "I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea. I know that and that's fine. I don't want to try to convince people if they don't want to watch." She added that her past experiences have changed her perspective, stating, "I don't fear what people think. I've had real fear, I know what that's like."