Holly Willoughby’s marriage joy: ‘It’s a fresh start for Dan and me’

She’s TV’s golden girl who’s endured a tough time in both her personal and professional life, which is said to have “taken its toll” on the This Morning host.

Earlier this year, Closer revealed how Holly Willoughby was left feeling “drained” by rows at home and work – just weeks after the mum-of-three admitted that hitting 40 forced her to reassess her priorities.

But after renewing her contract to continue fronting the ITV daytime show until “at least 2023” and cashing-in a whopping £1.4 million this year, insiders say Holly – who recently celebrated the launch of her new wellness platform, Wylde Moon, which features an online shop, moodboards and style guides – has a lot to celebrate this Christmas.

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A source says, “Holly’s had a tough 12 months, but making changes in her career path such as Wylde Moon – and focusing on her ‘inner self’ – has made her feel much happier. She has a newfound sense of gratitude and she’s ending the year feeling positive about the future.

“She’s determined to celebrate everything she’s achieved this Christmas and close the door on a difficult year, and use it as a fresh start to mark a new beginning in her life with Dan and their family.

“Dan’s been her rock and while they’ve had their ups and downs like any couple, this past year has made them even stronger and she’s credited his unwavering support for giving her a newfound appreciation and adoration for him.”

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After maintaining a squeaky-clean image throughout her almost 20-year presenting career, the bubbly host was thrust into a storm of controversy earlier this year when plans to renovate her £2.8million London home came under fire for being “disruptive” to neighbours.

The high-profile story sparked outrage from fans on social media, who took swipes at the mega-wealthy star for being “ungrateful” given her desire to expand her already spacious six-bedroom pad.

On top of this Holly became embroiled in a bitter legal dispute with her former agents, YMU, who were allegedly demanding a cut of her future earnings, despite parting ways in 2019 when she set-up her own female-led management company, Roxy.

It further fuelled rumours she was set to quit This Morning following “crisis talks” with ITV bosses over the battle with YMU – her co-host Phillip Schofield’s management team – which called her future on the show into question.

At the time a source told Closer, “The ongoing issues with her former agents, the changes at This Morning, and now the war with her neighbours has meant she has felt the strain at both home and work... It’s taken its toll and she’s feeling totally drained.”

Rising popularity of new presenters Dermot O’Leary, Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson also sparked speculation Holly and Phil could be being replaced after 11 years of hosting together. But that was quashed when Holly – still considered the Golden Girl by ITV – signed her new contract this month.

In autumn, Holly revealed she’d had a period of self-reflection after having time away from the limelight during the lockdown and spending quality time with her kids – Harry, 12, Belle, 10, and Chester, seven.

The Dancing On Ice host revealed during a promotional Q&A for her book Reflections that she’d been through a “hard and painful” time where she’d “shone a light into the dark corners” of her life.

And Holly’s marriage to Dan Baldwin, 46, came under scrutiny this September, when she revealed in her book the couple had blazing rows – admitting to “getting angry all the time”, which she found “cathartic”.

She said, “It was scary and frightening... Talking through your problems can take you months or weeks, but in a hot flash of anger, you’ll shout something, and rip the band-aid off.”

But her semi- autobiographical book, which she found therapeutic to write, as well as the launch of Wylde Moon, which is “set to bank millions”, marked a turning point for the star. She told fans on social media upon the release of her book, “I’m finally at a point where I can see clearly in my life.”

Pals say this – and finally getting the go-ahead to extend her dream home – has left Holly feeling more content than ever.

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The source adds, “Holly’s in a place where she feels fulfilled both professionally and personally and while that’s come with some challenges and bumps along the way, she wouldn’t change it for the world.

“Wylde Moon has not only been a welcome distraction over the last few months, but it’s also been the missing piece in the jigsaw, which has enabled her to embrace her passions while still doing what she loves best – being on TV.

“She’s also learned to alleviate her guilt by taking control over her schedule so she can spend more time with the kids, and Belle has even been helping her mum with Wylde Moon, which Holly loves. It’s given her an opportunity to further bond with her children if anything.

“Holly feels incredibly grateful and wants to use this Christmas to celebrate everything she has to look forward to – and the chance to relax, switch off and lap up all the downtime with Dan and the children.”