There were probably many other places Holly Willoughby would have preferred to be last night other than strolling down a red carpet in front of millions of viewers – even if she was wearing the most stunning purple dress by British designer Suzanne Neville.
The evening wasn’t exactly great timing.
After two days of ridicule for appearing alongside her new best friend Alison Hammond during her This Morning comeback after an eight-week break during her annual summer break, while also losing 200,000 viewers, she knew there was no way she was going to get away with it He didn’t attend the National Television Awards last night.
Her ordeal was compounded by her failure to make the shortlist for the Best Presenter category.
To be fair to her, she knew. It was the first time since they began working together 14 years ago that she took part as host of the ITV show, which she joined in 2009, without Phillip Schofield.
Alone: Holly Willoughby attends the National Television Awards 2023 at the O2 Arena
Still smiling: There were probably many other places Holly Willoughby would have preferred to be last night than strolling down a red carpet in front of millions of viewers
In the spotlight: Alison Hammond
Ms Willoughby, 42, was also there to support Ms Hammond, described in TV circles as her “best” as she competed against Ant and Dec for the title of best presenter – with the Geordie duo taking home the award for the 15th time. Times won in a row.
It was indeed a dilemma for the woman who was one of the most popular on television until this time last year – when she queued to see the late Queen in ceremony.
So what should Britain’s threatened national treasure do? Well, bold of course. Launch a PR charm offensive and do something she hasn’t done in over a decade and talk to the press. Even if it was a bit wooly.
Ms Willoughby spent 15 minutes on the red carpet at London’s O2 – a stark contrast to her usual awards regime.
She left separately from Ms Hammond, who arrived 20 minutes later.
When asked to address the toxic cultural claims that have engulfed the show, she said: “We’re very blessed, we have a great team, it really is.”
“I know there’s been a lot of talk about things and I personally don’t want to speak on behalf of other people, it’s a world I don’t recognize.”
“I look around and see the team preparing and giving it their all. ‘I just want to come to work and get more out of it.’
While this may not have been clear to some of the program’s staff, her friend Ms Hammond supported her, adding: “Alison doesn’t need any advice tonight.” “She’s wonderful, exactly what she is on TV.”
Duo: Ant and Dec on the red carpet at the National Television Awards
Selfie time: Ant and Dec pose with two fans
Leading actresses: Among the celebrities on the red carpet was Davina McCall
Big evening: Alex Jones also poses for a photo on the red carpet
Those close to Ms Willoughby said she had to speak out last night in the hope she could “start again tomorrow”.
The presenter has been grappling for some time with how Schofield’s exit has affected This Morning and that it is her job to “change things” after taking the helm of This Morning – as the strong woman she swore to be Morning has taken over.
Sources close to Ms Willoughby say she decided the best thing she could do to deal with the criticism was to be honest.
This coincides with her agreement to remain on This Morning, which lost out to The Repair Shop in the best daytime show category last night.
One said: “Holly knows she has to answer questions on This Morning straight away and tell the story. “It was difficult. She knows that this is a difficult time, but she has made a pact with herself to overcome and cope with difficult situations.
“That’s why she’s here tonight and she’s actually having to deal with what’s been hard for her and the show.”
Away from the worries of morning television, it was a joyous evening for BBC1’s Happy Valley as it won the recurring drama award.
And the evening got even better for leading actress Sarah Lancashire, who beat her co-star James Norton to win best dramatic performance after the NTAs scrapped separate categories for best actor and best actress.
Sparkles: Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid arrives at the O2
Smile: Line of Duty star Vicky McClure’s turn on the carpet
Thumbs up: Olly Murs seems happy to be at the awards
Ms Lancashire said: “It’s a wonderful thing, we didn’t know if we would win it.” “It’s a great award – great for Sally Wainwright.”
But despite coming out on top at the NTAs by a wide margin, beating the likes of Call The Midwife, Ms Lancashire confirmed the popular series would not be returning for a fourth series.
The 58-year-old said: “No, because the story is complete – it’s a story told as a trilogy, which is the best way to tell the story.” The danger is that you keep going and being it loses its effect.”
Ms Lancashire, who played bullied police officer Catherine Cawood, also told of her delight at seeing more older actresses winning roles, saying: “I think things are changing and they have needed to change for a very long time.”
“But development is slow and we have to catch up.”
Graham Norton beat Piers Morgan for best TV interview, while his former Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid walked the red carpet in a red dress and showed off her new short hair.
Meanwhile, Line of Duty’s veteran cop drama actress Vicky McLure also stunned at the event, held at London’s O2 Arena, in a black Versace dress.
One Show host Alex Jones also appeared in a white feathered mini dress.
Big Brother presenter Davina McCall, 55, beamed on the red carpet in an E Stott jumpsuit with her latest boyfriend, hairdresser Michael Douglas, 48.