She’s been busy filming her new show in Costa Rica, and while it’s been a career-defining moment for the star, being apart from her family is taking its toll on Holly Willoughby.
Holly, who’s married to TV producer Dan Baldwin and mum to children Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, eight, is currently shooting Netflix’s reality survival contest Bear Hunt, which she is hosting with explorer Bear Grylls.
But a source tells Closer that the 43-year-old mum of three is finding the time away from her loved ones really difficult, especially as she’s on the other side of the world in the South American jungle.
“Holly is really missing her family. She has really struggled being apart from both Dan and the children. Especially the chaos of her family life and all her creature comforts,” the insider reveals.
“She’s had some down days. It’s been tough, and she’s really missed Dan and the children. The distance between them and the gruelling schedule feels like they’re living separate lives. She’s missing cuddles with the kids and can’t wait to get home and see them.”
Not only has she given up her home comforts, Holly’s had to deal with the risks of being in the wilderness, which include rabid bats, poisonous snakes and deadly spiders.
“Bear Hunt is not for the faint hearted and all the celebrities who have signed up know they’re going to be heading into the wild where it’s teeming with animal nasties,” a source says.
“As well as snakes like the venomous hog-nosed pit viper, and spiders like the black widow and brown recluse, the jungle is also teeming with bats, which can spread rabies.”
Having co-presented I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! with Declan Donnelly in 2018, being in the Costa Rican jungle has been quite the experience for Holly, 43.
“She’s had a full-on schedule with little rest while filming the new show, and while it’s been a great experience, it’s been a real eye opener on how gruelling reality shows like this can be,” we’re told.
“Filming this show has made her realise she’ll never take her home comforts for granted again. But at least now she’s a fully accomplished survival expert, she’s coming home tougher than ever.
“In fact, she’s told pals she’ll never be scared of creepy crawlies again – she’s seen snakes, spiders, the works!”
Twelve celebs including Mel B, Una Healy, Steph McGovern, Lottie Moss and former Strictly judge Shirley Ballas have signed up for Bear Hunt, where they will learn survival skills from adventurer Bear. Inbetweeners’ Joe Thomas, Danny Cipriani, tennis star Boris Becker and Changing Rooms presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen have also joined the show. The group have been out filming in the jungle for almost a month, with the show due to air next year.