Holly Willoughby has been given “as long as she needs” by ITV bosses to return to work after she stepped away from her role on This Morning last week.
The popular TV host, 42, suddenly quit after 14 years of presenting the show alongside Philip Schofield, 61.
In a statement, the beloved star said she was stepping back “for my family” leaving her future TV career and association with ITV in doubt.
However, a source has since revealed to The Sun that the broadcaster has put “zero pressure” on Holly to return to host Dancing On Ice, which returns in January.
“Everyone around her – family, friends, and her team – all agreed that a really decent break from work would do her the power of good,” they claimed.
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“ITV has assured her that there is zero pressure to be ready for Dancing on Ice, even though she remains a much-loved part of the family.”
They continued: “After all, work begins on the skate show in December with shoots and promo, and nobody wants to place unrealistic expectations on Holly’s shoulders and have her feel she needs to rush back, especially because nobody knows how and when the court case will proceed.”
Express.co.uk has approached ITV for comment.
On Tuesday, Holly announced her exit from This Morning with a statement that read: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much.
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“This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you.
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.
“Richard and Judy said, ‘We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’ It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go.
“Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly.”
Holly’s surprise exit comes after a turbulent year for the former This Morning presenter.
She and her former co-host Phillip were blasted over jumping the queue to see Her Majesty lying-in-state at Westminster Hall in September last year.
Then, in May came the shocking revelation that Phillip had had an affair with a young employee, which later saw him resign from the show.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
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