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Holly Willoughby takes time off from This Morning due to shingles

Beloved TV presenter, Holly Willoughby of This Morning fame, has been forced to take a leave of absence from the popular daytime show due to an unexpected health setback. The star recently contracted shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful rash or blisters to develop on the skin. Fans of the show were left disappointed to learn of Willoughby’s absence, but her wellbeing is undoubtedly the top priority. In this article, we’ll explore what shingles is, its symptoms and how it can be treated, as well as wishing Holly a speedy recovery.


Holly Willoughby, co-presenter of the popular UK daytime talk show This Morning, has been forced to take a break due to ill health. Willoughby announced on Instagram that she has contracted shingles, a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The virus remains in the body after a chickenpox infection, and can be reactivated at a later stage. While this condition generally affects older people or those with compromised immune systems, anyone who has had chickenpox can contract shingles.

Willoughby co-presents This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield. The pair have worked together for many years and also present other ITV shows such as Dancing on Ice. While the show is on hiatus, guest presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary take over hosting duties. This Morning announced on social media that former Saturdays singer Rochelle Humes will be joining Schofield in the studio while Willoughby is recovering.

Illness among TV presenters can have a significant impact on their jobs, as they need to be on top form to present live programmes. Willoughby has a large following and is a popular presenter, with fans wishing her a speedy recovery on social media. The star has suffered from shingles before and has spoken publicly about the condition. In 2018, she missed some episodes of This Morning because she was ill.

Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The virus stays in the body after a childhood exposure to chickenpox, and can be reactivated later in life. The rash caused by shingles can be debilitating, and sufferers often report feeling unwell and fatigued. The pain of shingles can also be severe, and some people suffer from a complication called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes ongoing pain and sensitivity long after the rash has cleared up.

The risk of shingles increases with age, and the NHS offers a vaccine to people over the age of 70 to help prevent the condition. However, it is possible to get shingles at any age if you have had chickenpox. Some people are more susceptible to the virus, such as those with weakened immune systems or who are undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Stress and illness can also increase the risk of shingles.

This Morning is one of the UK’s most popular talk shows, and Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield are among its most recognisable and popular presenters. The show has been on the air since 1988, and covers a range of topics, from cooking and fashion to health and wellbeing. The hosts are known for their easy rapport and humour, and have won many fans over the years.

While Willoughby is recovering from shingles, guest presenters will take over her duties on the show. This is not unusual for TV talk shows, which often have a roster of presenters who can step in when needed. Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary are both well-known TV personalities in the UK, and have presented on This Morning before. Rochelle Humes is a former member of girl group The Saturdays, and has also worked in presenting and modelling.

Shingles can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with rest and medication, most people recover within a few weeks. Holly Willoughby will undoubtedly be keen to get back to presenting This Morning as soon as possible, and her many fans will be waiting to welcome her back. In the meantime, viewers can enjoy a packed show with guest presenters and special announcements, as This Morning continues to entertain and inform its millions of viewers.


In conclusion, our best wishes go out to Holly Willoughby as she takes time off to recover from shingles. It’s important to prioritize our health and wellbeing, and we admire her decision to take a break from work to focus on her recovery. We know Holly will be back on our screens in no time, bringing her infectious energy and enthusiasm to This Morning. Until then, we’ll be eagerly waiting for her return and wishing her a speedy recovery.

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