The This Morning star’s early career in front of the camera has been put into the spotlight amid reports that TV bosses ordered her not to wear a bra while presenting children’s TV
Holly Willoughby’s wardrobe malfunction on Ministry of Mayhem
Holly Willoughby was reportedly told by bosses to appear on children’s TV without a bra on in a bid to appeal to male viewers.
The 43-year-old former This Morning star has been in front of cameras since she was a teenager – with her being just 19 years old when she made her small screen debut in 2000 in S Club 7: Artistic Differences. She went on to launch a presenting career that has now spanned decades, with her earliest hosting roles being on children’s television.
Holly quickly became a TV favourite thanks to her appearances on BBC shows including CBBC at the Fame Academy and ITV shows including Ministry of Mayhem and CD:UK. But now Holly’s early career has been re-examined through a 2023 lens and uncomfortable questions have arisen.
The Mail on Sunday has claimed Holly was asked by male executives to present children’s TV shows without a bra in an effort to draw more attention. A source told the weekend newspaper that one of Holly’s colleagues was so shocked to see her on set without a bra that they questioned her about it – only for her to allegedly claim bosses told her to dress that way.
The source told the publication: “Before I knew who Holly even was, I saw her without a bra on and asked a director who she was and why she was dressed like that. I said she needs to get a bra on, it was children’s television. I reminded Holly of it some time later and she said they made her not wear a bra, that the shows weren’t actually for children. It was pretty staggering that this was going on.” And another source added to the Mail on Sunday’s report: “It’s pretty awful, it doesn’t even seem that long ago. And what’s worse is that Holly probably wasn’t the only one.”
The Mirror has contacted representatives of Holly, the BBC and ITV for comment. Holly has won support from TV fans that have taken to social media to defend her honour. Reacting to the reports that Holly was told what to wear to ‘look more attractive’, one X/ Twitter user slammed the evidence as: “Another scandalous case of misogyny in the industry!” While others condemned the decision of “likely male bosses” for ordering the star how to dress.
Holly’s career rose spectacularly when she left her children’s TV roots for more adult presenting roles. She became a household name when she began appearing on chaotic late night game show Celebrity Juice – hosted by Leigh Francis in his Keith Lemon character. And since 2009, she has co-hosted ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning, initially presenting alongside Phillip Schofield until his explosive exit earlier this year amid revelations he had enjoyed an extramarital affair with a much younger male colleague who worked on the show. Holly’s star sheen has dimmed by association from the scandal – and it was also dented last year when she and Phil skipped the queue to view the late Queen Elizabeth II lying in state, sparking national outcry.
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