Holly Willoughby

Current Role

Holly Willoughby is undoubtedly one of the most popular and potentially most successful female children's TV presenters at this time. Famous for a variety of appearances on both ITV and the BBC, her last project was ITV's secondary show for Grease is the Word, Greased Lightning. This is a role that mirrors her predecessor (Cat Deeley) in a move from children's presenting to Saturday night prime time viewing. Grease is the Word is the latest reality show from the makers of Pop Idol and X-Factor, Syco Productions. Both shows will appear on ITV1 and ITV2 from the 7th April 2007.

Early Life

Holly was born on 10th February, 1982 near Horsham in Sussex. Her father works as a manager for a double glazing company and her mother worked as a stewardess. At the age of 14, Holly was spotted on a school trip to the Clothes Show Live Exhibition and within months was signed up by the modelling agency, Storm.

Career Highlights

Following an affluent spell in modelling, she accompanied a friend to an audition for the show, S Club TV and ended up landing the job herself. After an unsuccessful 18 months working there, Holly moved to London and began work in earnest taking jobs such as a runner and a TV company receptionist. Bar work and cleaning jobs also featured on her CV whilst she was busy learning all of the skills needed to work in front of the camera. The hard work paid off and before long, Holly was presenting for the BBC in a number of children's programs such as Exchange, Science Show and CBBC does Fame Academy.

In 2004, Holly moved over to ITV to co-present the Saturday morning hit show, Ministry of Mayhem. Cat Deeley then left the channel's flagship music program, CD:UK leaving a space open for Holly to step in. Holly has continued to present Ministry of Mayhem to this date.

Holly has great dreams to move into 'grown up' television. Already she has appeared on ITV's Dancing on Ice alongside Phillip Schofield and has plans to return to the show this year.

Interesting Facts

• Willoughby is married to Dan Baldwin, a former producer of Ministry of Mayhem.
• She was voted 71st in FHM's 100 Sexiest Women In The World poll in 2005 and 30th in 2006.