Holly Willoughby and BBC in talks for star to make switch after ITV Phillip Schofield scandal

The BBC has been in touch with Holly Willoughby about a move away from ITV.

Top executives are plotting new shows for the host of This Morning and one chief contacted her directly within the past few days. The timing was significant – as the storm over her former co-host Phillip Schofield hit new heights, according to the Mirror.

Holly, 42, built up a good relationship with BBC bosses while presenting ice challenge show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof last year. And their new bid to lure her came amid revelations that an external investigation would probe safeguarding at ITV in the wake of Phillip’s affair with a younger colleague.

READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community

The latest move for Holly – who was set to return home last night after a family break – came after Beeb bosses held high-level talks about projects they could offer her.

A source said yesterday: “Holly has had a good relationship and an open dialogue with BBC bosses since she hosted Freeze the Fear. Ever since then they have been keen to sign her up for another project and have bent over backwards to offer her other opportunities.

“So the ongoing drama at ITV has played into their hands. The bosses have had conversations this week about what they could offer her going forward.

“And one executive reached out to her directly earlier in the week. Holly was still away on holiday at the time. But she really values her relationship with the BBC and the friendships she has built up there.”

News of the BBC approach came as the British Soap Awards – which Phillip, 61, was to have hosted – went ahead in Manchester tonight.

Singer Jane McDonald stepped in to present the glittering event, which goes out on ITV on Tuesday. Phillip agreed