Holly Willoughby has launched her new YouTube show, "Together," featuring actor Stanley Tucci as its first guest. The debut episode has garnered a range of critical responses, with some reviewers comparing it unfavorably to Meghan Markle's "With Love." Willoughby, 45, has admitted to feeling out of her depth in the digital realm, with her own children teasing her efforts.
"My daughter was laughing at me as I was saying 'subscribe and ding the bell and you'll get notifications,'" Willoughby shared on Sara Cox's Radio 2 Breakfast Show. "She was like, 'mum, you really don't know what you're talking about,' and I'm like, 'no I don't but I'm learning!'"
Willoughby also noted her children's criticism of her photography skills, particularly her use of horizontal phone orientation, which they deemed "old person" behavior. Despite these lighthearted moments, the idea for "Together" was inspired by observing her children's viewing habits on platforms like Netflix, Disney, and Amazon, leading her to explore YouTube as a space for content creation.
"Together" is produced by Hungry Bear Media, a company owned by Willoughby's husband, Dan Baldwin. Willoughby stated that she trusted his company to produce the show, having conceived the idea herself. "I had this idea and I was like who better to make it and who do I trust - a perfect fit, no brainer really," she said.
Critical Reception
The show's content has been a focal point for critics. One review from The Telegraph described the episode, which included Willoughby and Tucci preparing a pasta dish, as a "50-minute borefest of awkward small talk, forced swearing and pie tin trivia." The review drew a parallel to Meghan Markle's "With Love," suggesting that Willoughby's show made the Duchess's project look more accomplished. Another reviewer from The Guardian noted the show veers "from agonisingly dull courgette slicing to sweary banter." Conversely, The Times offered a more optimistic outlook, with Carol Midgley suggesting that "it looks nice, Holly may take her fanbase with her, and her profile means she will probably be able to entice a good quality of guest."
Willoughby, who also has sons Harry, 17, and Chester, 11, with her husband, acknowledged the mixed reception. She previously stated to the Daily Mail that she was not concerned about public reaction, saying, "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... I don't fear what people think. I've had real fear, I know what that's like. Your perspective changes after something like that."
Upcoming episodes of "Together" are set to feature guests such as Nicole Appleton, Emma Bunton, Katherine Ryan, and Joanne McNally. However, initial fan reactions appeared more positive than those from critics, with some viewers expressing enjoyment of the show's relaxed format.