We love influential women from all of over the world. Two months ago we covered Lady Michelle Mone from the UK, who is both an entrepreneur and an advocate for equality for women in business. This month we turn to another inspiring woman from across the pond you may not have heard of, but is fast becoming the most influential woman in the UK: Holly Willoughby.
She’s a household name for British audiences and is one of Britain’s brightest television sweethearts, joining the roster of several others that have made a positive impact on their society. And while Holly Willoughby’s career may be relatively unknown to American audiences as of right now, her newest move to her all-female agency may just be the first step to overseas renown.
One of Britain’s most recognizable faces
Holly Willoughby is best known as a TV presenter on This Morning, but she’s been in the business long before her first appearance on the daytime show. She has a hefty resume under her belt, hosting the likes of Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown, CD:UK, Xtra Factor, and Celebrity Juice. As fate would have it, Holly hosted 2006’s Dancing on Ice alongside Phillip Schofield, who then became her partner on This Morning! This was the first taste that viewers got of the warm, friendly chemistry between the two.
It’s this same chemistry that has catapulted Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield into the hearts of viewers all across England. In fact, This Morning ranked first in a Gala Bingo survey on the top daytime shows that Brits love to watch. What’s more, the site has dubbed Holly as the “Queen of Daytime TV,” ranking her above her co-host! She even beat out other big industry names like Jamie Oliver, which just goes to show you how popular she is in her home country.
What makes Holly Willoughby even more lovable is her approach to motherhood. She’s written several books as well as two on motherhood, and champions a hands-on approach despite her busy schedule. Although she’s also opened up about the struggles of motherhood (which is definitely it’s own challenge, whether you’re in the spotlight or not), she maintains that being a mom is one of the most meaningful roles she’s played so far.
Stepping into her own
It’s Willoughby’s own love for parenting that has also spurred her decision to break away from her old agency of 13 years, YMU Entertainment. Woman & Home reports that the decision to switch agencies was borne out of Willoughby’s desire to manage her own schedule and spend more time at home. Willoughby admitted that “becoming a mum was the only thing I knew I definitely wanted when I was growing up, but the image I had never involved me being a working mum. That’s the biggest challenge.”
She will now work with a new company called Roxy Management, with insiders claiming that she’ll be working closely with an all-female team. In doing so, Willoughby is stepping away from the same agency that manages her This Morning co-host. Working with new management and taking charge of her own schedule will also allow Willoughby to become a better champion for women across the UK.
While she is the quintessential bubbly sweetheart with a smile that lights up any room, she is also becoming one of the most influential female voices on TV and has tackled many topics relating to women during her slot. Her sunny charm and easy charisma, as well as her down-to-earth personality when interviewing, has garnered her thousands of adoring fans in the UK and across the globe. Her career proves that with lots of hard work and persistence, you can indeed have it all. We’re excited to see where she goes from here. If she isn’t on your radar she should be now.
