British TV favorite Holly Willoughby has faced more ups and downs than most stars could handle—and just when it seemed like things were turning around, life threw her another curveball.
The 44-year-old presenter, best known for her long-running stint on This Morning, was reportedly left “devastated” after a summer car accident that injured a moped rider. According to reports, the collision left the rider with a fractured neck and broken toe, while Holly faced heavy fines and six penalty points on her driver’s license.
“She’s been absolutely heartbroken about it,” a source told Heat magazine. “She stayed with the injured man until help arrived and did everything she could to comfort him. But the fact that he was hurt has really shaken her. She’s terrified people think she doesn’t care—it’s the opposite. The whole thing’s left her frightened to even drive again.”
The accident took place in August near her Richmond home when Holly’s Mini Cooper collided with a moped after she reportedly failed to signal before turning. Court documents show she pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. She was fined £2,444 (around $3,000 USD) but was not required to appear in court.
The incident quickly drew online backlash, with some critics accusing the star of receiving leniency due to her fame. Others rushed to defend her, insisting “everyone makes mistakes” and praising her for cooperating fully.
For Willoughby, this ordeal is another difficult chapter in what’s already been a turbulent few years. The mother of three resigned from This Morning in 2023 following a terrifying kidnapping plot and the public fallout with former co-host Phillip Schofield. Her comeback as host of Dancing on Ice was short-lived—ITV canceled the show earlier this year—and her Netflix adventure series Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls also failed to move forward.
“She’s usually so steady and confident,” a close source said. “But it’s been one thing after another. She feels like she’s in the middle of a perfect storm.”
Still, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. Rumors are swirling that Willoughby is in talks to take over hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman eventually step down. Sources close to production hint that negotiations with the BBC are “at an advanced stage,” potentially marking the star’s big comeback.
“She’s ready for a new chapter,” the insider added. “If anyone can bounce back from this, it’s Holly.”
