How TV golden girls Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby rekindled their decades-long friendship after ‘drifting apart’ as ex This Morning star reaches out to her old pal amid tough time

If you switched on your TV on a Thursday night in the late 2000s, chances are you were tuning in to watch Celebrity Juice – it was the perfect way to brighten your evening.

Many viewers especially loved watching Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby lead their teams, alongside Keith Lemon’s funny and often cheeky humor.

They quickly became one of TV’s most beloved duos and developed a close friendship away from the cameras. Their connection began years earlier, when they were both starting out in the entertainment industry – long before appearing on Celebrity Juice.

Even though Fearne and her colleague worked together on the show until 2018 and had a long history, they reportedly drifted apart after she left her position.

Holly and Fearne didn’t really speak for several years, with Holly often sharing photos with her other friends in the entertainment industry but rarely including Fearne. They reportedly started reconnecting in October 2024.

Okay, so I was *thrilled* to see Holly actually reach out to Fearne this week! After everything, with Fearne’s ex Ian passing away in prison, it just meant so much to me that Holly publicly showed her support. It really felt like a sign they’ve truly reconnected, and honestly, it made my week! I’ve been shipping them for ages, and seeing that little bit of kindness just warmed my heart.

So what is the history of their friendship and fallout?

Oh my gosh, Holly and Fearne! I’ve been following them FOREVER! It’s just amazing to think they first met when they were, like, 17! Can you believe it? Both of them were just starting out, trying to make it in the world of kids’ TV. It’s so cute to think about where it all began!

In 2007, Fearne and Holly began co-hosting a show called Fearne and Holly Go Dating. The following year, in 2008, they launched Celebrity Juice.

Ten years later, in December 2018, Fearne Cotton decided to leave Celebrity Juice. She explained that she wanted to focus on other opportunities, such as writing books and creating her popular podcast.

Holly continued working until 2020, then left to pursue opportunities in television and dedicate more time to her Wylde Moon venture.

From what I understand, things cooled off between them after they finished working together. It seems they simply grew distant as their lives went in different directions, and unfortunately, they didn’t make an effort to stay connected – you know, just not checking in with each other. It’s a common thing, honestly, when work relationships end and people don’t prioritize maintaining the connection.

You know, it was lovely to hear back in October of last year that they’d reconnected! It seems they’ve both really embraced a focus on wellness and a more holistic lifestyle, and that’s what brought them back together. It’s a beautiful thing to see when people prioritize their wellbeing and find common ground through that!

This followed a terrifying year for Holly, who left her job on ‘The Morning’ and lived in constant fear after learning that security guard Gavin Plumb had planned to kidnap, sexually assault, and kill her.

She also stopped being friends with her This Morning colleague, Phillip Schofield, after it came out that he had an affair with a younger coworker.

But amid her tough challenges she was spending time with Fearne again, according to The Sun.

According to a source, Fearne Cotton began focusing on wellness and self-care while Holly Willoughby was still working on television.

Then Holly followed a similar path, taking up meditation, practicing gratitude, and exploring holistic therapies.

‘When she set up her wellness brand, Wylde Moon, she and Fearne were back on the same page again.’

They last saw each other in 2022 while filming the final episode of Celebrity Juice, hosted by Keith Lemon.

Holly posted pictures from their get-together on Instagram. In the photos, she was wearing a blue and black striped suit reminiscent of Keith’s style.

Holly, Keith (also known as Leigh Francis), and Fearne snapped a cute selfie while celebrating the farewell of their show, which first aired in 2008.

The This Morning presenter shared a message with a photo, saying: ‘If I don’t see you during the week, I’ll see you on TV! It’s been great working with everyone at Celebrity Juice – Fearne Cotton and Keith Lemon.’

Underneath the snap, Fearne posted a string of red love heart emojis.

Holly announced on social media that she’s saying goodbye to the show @celebjuiceofficial with a thankful message. Her final outfit was a tribute to @keithlemon, and she expressed her affection with a playful ‘oosh’ and ‘love you!’

Fearne celebrated her time on the show by sharing some photos, including a memorable one of her wearing a stunning, multi-colored sequin dress.

Sharing her own tribute, she wrote: ‘Reunited and ready for the last ever Celebrity Juice.

It’s amazing to realize the show began 14 years ago! I cherish my decade as team captain and will always remember the incredibly fun and lighthearted times we shared.

It was great catching up with everyone today and sharing old memories. Thanks to Keith Lemon for all the fun and silliness!

Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby originally led the teams on the show, but Laura Whitmore and Emily Atack became the new team captains in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Keith Lemon has hosted the show since it began.

Back in 2010, the two friends had a heartwarming conversation where they expressed confidence they could easily reconnect and maintain their friendship, despite having busy lives.

Holly explained to The Daily Mail that she and Fearne have a close friendship despite their busy schedules. They can easily reconnect and feel comfortable together whenever they manage to see each other.

‘There is no guilt, no resentment.’

Fearne explained that because she and her partner have similar careers, they both understand when the other person is busy and doesn’t return calls right away – even if it’s for a week.

Holly contacted her friend Fearne this week, following the death of her former boyfriend, Ian, who was serving a prison sentence for being a paedophile.

Fearne and Ian had a short relationship in the early 2000s, but it ended when his terrible crimes came to light. She has never spoken publicly about their time together.

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Ian Watkins, the former singer of Lostprophets, was killed in prison last weekend. He was serving a lengthy 29-year sentence for truly horrific crimes against children, and while he deserved to be held accountable, it’s a tragic situation nonetheless.

According to reports, the singer was attacked by another prisoner who slashed his throat after inmates left their cells for the day.

Shortly after his passing, Fearne shared a thoughtful video on Instagram, discussing themes of shame and other personal reflections.

This week, I learned a few things. One key takeaway came from a conversation with Charlie Mackesy on the Happy Place podcast – he discussed shame in a way that really resonated with me.

One thing I really took away from that experience was realizing how common shame is. We often feel ashamed and think we’re alone in it, but that’s actually what shame *does* – it makes you believe it’s just you, when it’s not.

This week has taught me four important lessons, even though it’s been tough. I haven’t been sleeping well, and I’m feeling a little scattered, but I’m trying to learn from everything that’s happening.

‘Which of these interests you the most or rings true?’

Her close pal Holly commented underneath saying: ‘Love you cotton chops.’

Read More

2025-10-18 12:20