Holly Willoughby’s Jungle Reset: From Kidnap Fear to Adventure with Bear Grylls
It was the phone call that changed everything for Holly Willoughby.
For several months, the previous host of the morning talk show was essentially confined at home due to an overwhelming fear of venturing outdoors. This fear stemmed from the chilling revelation that she had unwittingly become the focus of a sinister plan involving abduction, sexual assault, and homicide.
However, in an exclusive chat with The Mail, Holly shared that the phone call from survival expert Bear Grylls marked the start of relief from the turmoil that had affected not only her life but also those close to her for over a year.
The former SAS reservist phoned to extend an enticing proposition: inviting her to share hosting duties with him on a fresh celebrity adventure series for Netflix, titled “Celebrity Bear Hunt,” deep within the lush Costa Rican rainforest.
The phone call happened prior to when Gavin Plumb was convicted for his heinous plan against Holly and received a life imprisonment.
However, at the age of 43, Holly made up her mind that she would find her way back to normalcy following her departure from This Morning in October 2023, shortly after the news about Plumb’s kidnapping and murder plot broke. She didn’t hesitate when asked.
When we met at the Raffles hotel in London for Netflix’s unveiling of Bear Hunt – an eight-part reality show, she shared that it seemed like the perfect moment for her. This captivating series features 12 celebrities such as Boris Becker, a former tennis star who served time in prison, Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, a vibrant interior designer, and Mel B from the Spice Girls, all taking on survival expert Bear in various challenges.
She grins, showing that her choice was influenced by her kids – Harry (age 16), Belle (13), and Chester (10).
The previous months had been painful for them, too.
When Bear phoned and explained the concept of the program, I replied something like, “That’s fantastic! Given how much my children adore Bear, this seems like an obvious choice.
Over an extended period, due to my children being younger, I hadn’t been fond of staying abroad for such lengthy durations. When I ventured to Australia for I’m A Celeb, fortunately, the kids accompanied me. It all felt like a truly engaging endeavor. In fact, it was an unequivocal ‘yes’ from my side.
In contrast to her temporary role on the ITV show in 2018, where she filled in for Ant McPartlin and even brought her kids, doing so this time wasn’t an option because Harry was busy with his GCSE exams.
Instead, she journeyed to Costa Rica for an entire month in July, leaving her children and spouse, TV producer Dan Baldwin, aged 50, behind.
After all her experiences, Holly found a fresh start was exactly what she required. “We video-called each morning and evening,” Holly shares.
On my absence, Harry celebrated his birthday for the first time without me, and it seemed that I was the one who felt the loss more profoundly. They appeared to have an amazing time with plenty of takeouts, while Dan managed admirably well; things didn’t go completely awry.
Holly shared stories of her thrilling experiences in Costa Rica alongside Bear, and it was clear from her smile that these tales brought her joy. It was uplifting to witness this. Ever since Plumb’s predicament came to light – leading to Holly receiving police protection afterwards – I have been mindful of the hardships she has faced.
Last summer, it was a relief when Plumb, who had past convictions for kidnapping and attempted kidnapping, was convicted for soliciting murder, inciting rape, and encouraging kidnapping during a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
However, Holly, having courageously chosen to forego anonymity, characterized the experience as “difficult,” further explaining, “There’s nothing that could fully prepare you for such an event.
It has, she says, made her more determined to focus on the positives.
Holly chuckles over some minor hardships she’s faced lately. “My hair grew larger and larger due to the heat, just like Monica from Friends,” she jokes.
Out there, the heat seemed almost independent. A intensity I hadn’t encountered before, yet Bear appeared accustomed to it, moving effortlessly with a rough, weather-beaten grace.
After 25 years in TV, Holly’s wardrobe has always sparked conversations due to her career.
Some of her dresses have been so revealing they prompted Ofcom complaints.
At the premiere of the series last night, she donned an exquisite off-the-shoulder dress designed by British fashionist David Koma, priced at £1,800. However, one may wonder what ensemble she chose for presenting a show that required helicopter rides and tarantula handling?
Holly brought her hairstylist, Danielle Whiteman, with her to make sure she achieved the “camouflage” style perfectly – completing the look with a selection of boots from British shoemaker Grenson, which are also Holly’s own brand.
She mentions that the wardrobe for her role is quite distinct from what one sees on shows like ‘Dancing on Ice’ and ‘This Morning,’ she explains. A time came when Holly, while wearing a harness, experienced an unexpected wardrobe issue – but was swiftly rescued by some handy gaffer tape.
In the situation, I was wearing a skirt, and Scottie, our safety expert, advised me, “You need to wear a harness because your skirt might not stay in place.
However, I happened to have some adhesive strips on hand, which I used to secure them around my legs. He cautioned that it wouldn’t hold up, but I retorted, “That’s for your protection; this is mine!” Eventually, after applying it, the fit was flawless when I touched ground.
During the filming process, Holly provided support for celebrities who encountered difficult situations, such as when Steph McGovern fell from a cliff and assisted Shirley Ballas with her fear of heights. She could see that Shirley was struggling to overcome her fear. As she looked at Shirley, Shirley looked back at her. Through eye contact, Holly communicated reassurance: ‘It’s alright, you’re fine, just take deep breaths.’
Over the last 18 months, Holly’s life has undergone significant transformation. Nowadays, she enjoys the liberty of taking her children to school in the mornings, which brings her great joy.
However, Chester, her youngest child, struggled to adapt when his mother started spending more time with him due to increased availability, as she mentioned.
Upon arriving home from school, I enquired about his day. His response was something along the lines of, “Even though you may not be working anymore, Mom, we still do. We’re at school and we’re quite exhausted.
It would be great if Chester and his siblings are captivated by Holly’s debut show airing on Netflix today, as well as her professional partner she refers to as her ‘work husband.’ The kids affectionately call her “Mummy” and are excited that she’ll be going to work with Bear.
‘I know. Brownie points!’ is her cheeky reply. And with that, we know the old Holly is back.
Read More
- Former Doctor Who star Tosin Cole lands major new lead movie role
- Victoria’s Secret Model Became Guardian at 28, Now Facing Bears in New Show
- Siuhy benched by MOUZ, CS2 fans left in disbelief
- STETH CAD PREDICTION. STETH cryptocurrency
- Pamela Anderson Stuns in High Fashion With Anna Wintour After Vogue Snub Admission!
- Tom and Giovanna Fletcher’s Son Buzz Lands Major West End Role at Just 10!
- Iron & Chains: Leaked details of the next LoL show after Arcane
- Cookie Run: Kingdom Candy Apple Cookie Guide: How to unlock, Best Toppings, and more
- Can You Recognize This Quiz Show Host and Former Child Star Enjoying Life in LA?
- Did a Switch 2 Mario 3D game and Zelda remaster just get leaked?
2025-02-05 03:51