Holly Willoughby plots ambitious TV return after leaving This Morning over two years ago as presenter decides to go it alone on her own project

Ever since she left This Morning, there has been speculation about what Holly Willoughby will do next.

There was a brief stint hosting ITV's You Bet! and Netflix's reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt.

But now, in a move that demonstrates the changing media landscape, the 44-year-old is planning an ambitious comeback that doesn't involve a big broadcaster.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star presenter has decided to go it alone and is quietly working on a project that will see her produce her own show – as well as host it.

She is working with her husband Dan Baldwin's production company Hungry Bear to develop a 'multi-strand programme for digital platforms' in a move she is said to be 'thrilled and excited' about.

A source close to Ms Willoughby revealed: 'The television industry has changed significantly in recent years. It is nothing like it used to be so it feels like a good time for Holly to do something a little bit different.

'It's a new format, something completely new, modern and progressive. It's not a podcast. It's not something that anyone has done before. 

'She'll be at the centre of things both in front of and behind the scenes. Holly is loving developing the format with a small team.'

Ms Willoughby has largely been off our screens since she left This Morning in October 2023 after she was told a former security guard had planned to kidnap, rape and murder her.

The sickening crime came just months after she fell out with co-presenter and friend, Phillip Schofield.

She returned to ITV to host the ice-skating show Dancing On Ice alongside Stephen Mulhern, but that has been cancelled by the channel.

Ms Willoughby is reported to be among the favourites to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly after they quit last year.