Holly Willoughby has returned to broadcast with her new YouTube lifestyle show, "Together," which critics have described as lacking substance and failing to achieve genuine relatability.
In a review for the Daily Mail, Jan Moir characterized the show as a "steaming landfill of banality," questioning Willoughby's quest to appear "relatable" to viewers. The program features Willoughby engaging in seemingly mundane activities, such as cooking with actor Stanley Tucci. One episode detailed the preparation of a spaghetti dish, a process that reportedly took 50 minutes, drawing sharp criticism for its slow pace and lack of engaging content.
Moir contrasted Willoughby's approach with that of Meghan Markle, whose own lifestyle show "With Love" on Netflix also faced criticism. The reviewer suggested that while Markle's show involved elaborate preparations and emphasis on celebrity status, Willoughby's "Together" falls into a similar trap of "performative nonsense," albeit with a more subdued presentation.
The show is unscripted and filmed in a documentary style, incorporating elements like shaky camera work and on-set candid moments. It comprises five segments, including "Talk Together," a discussion forum, and "Look Good Together," focusing on fashion and beauty. The debut episode highlighted "Cook Together," featuring Willoughby and Tucci.
Tucci's involvement was also met with derision. Moir described him as "the don of yawn, the signor of bore," criticizing his perceived pretentiousness regarding food pairings and his use of "smutty jokes." Willoughby's attempts to appear down-to-earth, such as expressing surprise at a bottle of pinot grigio rosé, were also highlighted as inauthentic by the critic.
Willoughby's return follows a period of controversy after her departure from ITV's "This Morning." She and former co-host Phillip Schofield faced criticism in 2022 for allegedly skipping the queue for Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state. The subsequent departure of Schofield due to a scandal involving an undisclosed relationship further complicated the public perception surrounding Willoughby.
In 2024, a man who plotted to kidnap and murder Willoughby was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 16 years, an event that occurred over 30 months after her exit from "This Morning."
Despite the criticism, Willoughby has stated she is unconcerned with public opinion regarding her new show. "Together" aims to present an authentic portrayal of lifestyle and personal interests, though its initial reception suggests it has yet to connect with its intended audience.