BBC ‘trying to tempt Holly Willoughby away from ITV’ after queuegate-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

Could Holly make a significant transition from ITV to the BBC? (Picture: Ian West/PA)

The BBC is said to be attempting to woo Holly Willoughby to move over from rival broadcaster ITV in the aftermath of the controversy sparked by ‘queuegate’.

For the past 13 years, the 41-year-old has been a mainstay on This Morning, co-presenting the weekday show alongside Phillip Schofield, 60.

She has also been seen on various other ITV programmes, including co-hosting Dancing On Ice and starring on the panel for Celebrity Juice.

While she has also appeared on the BBC, presenting on CBBC in the early stages of her career as well as fronting Take Off with Bradley & Holly with Bradley Walsh and Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof with Lee Mack, it’s been reported that the firm is eyeing her to be involved in more projects in the future.

‘Holly is very much a key target for the BBC and she was their guest at the Variety Club awards,’ a source told The Sun, referencing the award ceremony that took place on November 21 this year.

They continued, claiming that Holly was ‘wined and dined’ by BBC content boss Charlotte Moore, ‘who is keen to get Holly on board for some of their upcoming big shows’.

Phillip and Holly Willoughby hav presented This Morning together for over a decade (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

‘After the “Queue-Gate” scandal earlier this year Holly felt upset by how ITV handled the situation,’ the insider said.

Claiming that the BBC ‘would love’ Holly to star on more of their shows and that her invitation to the ceremony was part of a plan ‘to woo’ the TV personality, they added that she’s seen as being ‘perfect for the BBC audience’ as a ‘squeaky clean, family friendly and fun TV star’.

‘They have a few big shows coming up which they want to put to Holly and they want her to know she has a bright future on the BBC,’ they stated.

The source claimed Holly wasn’t happy with how ITV handled the ‘queuegate’ backlash (Credits: ITV News)

Earlier this year, Holly and Phillip sparked backlash when they were seen appearing to ‘skip’ the queue for those paying their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall.

The pair insisted that they would never skip the queue and that they didn’t take anyone else’s spot, with a statement being released by This Morning that read: ‘We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme.

‘They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event.’

Holly also explained: ‘The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back. In contrast, those paying their respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause. ​

‘None of the journalists and broadcasters there took anyone’s place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen.’

She continued: ‘We, of course, respected those rules, however, we realise that it may have looked like something else and therefore totally understand the reaction. Please know that we would never jump a queue.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Holly Willoughby’s representatives for comment. The BBC declined to comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Holly Willoughby and husband Daniel Baldwin perfect power couple at Variety Club Showbusiness Awards

MORE : Keith Lemon confirms Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton comeback for Celebrity Juice specials

Entertainment – MetroRead More