Returning to our screens as she makes her debut on Netflix’s new reality series Celebrity Bear Hunt, Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls, her new co-host, have grown very close. And after spending three weeks together in Costa Rica’s jungle, where they filmed the adventure show with celebs including model Lottie Moss, Spice Girl Mel B and Saturdays singer Una Healy, the bond between the long-time friends has clearly become even stronger.
As the main host, the show marks Holly’s first solo presenting role – and her first away from ITV – following a ‘tough’ year, which saw her step down after 14 years on This Morning when former security guard Gavin Plumb was jailed for life for masterminding a kidnap and murder plot against the star.
At Celebrity Bear Hunt’s London premiere last week, both stars heaped praise on each other. Introducing the first episode, Bear said, ‘Holly’s always pushing into everyone else but you were such a key part of this, not only for them [the celebrities] but also for me. You were a light and love and empathy to all of these people, you were the yin to my yang.’ A blushing Holly replied, ‘Thank you… this is slightly embarrassing.’
And as the survival expert, 50, left the screening, Closer overheard him saying, ‘I felt like Holly really carried me through those red carpet interviews.’
The feeling is mutual, with Dancing On Ice presenter Holly saying, ‘As soon as you have Bear’s name attached to anything, you know you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime and this show really has a little bit of everything. For the celebs who got involved in this, you were so brave – and I think it’s because of Bear. Bear can get anybody to do anything. You’re very inspiring.’
While they have known each other for years, the show marks the first time that Holly and Bear have worked together on screen. Her new partnership comes after her friendship with former BFF and This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield ended last year. Bear said, ‘Holly was a dream. I’ve never really worked with anyone else like that before. She’s just gentle, heart led. She was nervous. She was in at the deep end.’
Holly – who celebrated her 44th birthday on 10 February – revealed how she leant on her co-star during some trying times. ‘There were a few moments on this show where I had to dig deep and have a strong word with myself. At those times it was good to have someone like Bear next to you saying that being brave is about using that fear, harnessing it and doing it anyway.’
