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Holly Willoughby’s show axed from ITV

It wasn't a ratings winner

You might not have even been aware that Holly Willoughby has been presenting a sports quiz show on ITV, but many of its viewers are outraged that the show has been axed.

Holly presented Play To The Whistle which is a comedy panel show focused on sport, with a panel of celebrities.

Footballer Frank Lampard is one of the team captains, as is Bradley Walsh, and other celebrities who have featured include Jimmy Carr and Alan Shearer.

It was hoped that the show would have similar success to Sky 1’s A League Of Their Own which was hosted by James Corden and is now in its 12th series. But due to a huge drop in ratings and the busy schedules of the celebrities involved, Holly’s show will be axed.

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A source told The Sun: “ITV loved the format and panel shows are historically popular. Having Holly as host is a big draw as are Bradley and Frank as captains.

“But it hasn’t performed as they’d hoped so they are resting it for now.

“They still plan to bring it out for big sporting occasions, such as the football World Cup next year but it won’t run for another full series.”

It’s not like Holly will be short of work though, because she’ll be presenting the new series of Dancing On Ice with Phillip Schofield.

The source added: “Holly is going to be up to her eyes in it with Dancing On Ice and This Morning, and Frank and Bradley have a lot on their plate with their other commitments.

“The regulars and guests did a great job but it just didn’t work out.”

The show was produced by Holly’s husband Dan Baldwin.

Holly recently addressed the issue that’s been bugging everyone for some time, is she trying to lose weight? Fans have speculated that the star has been looking frail lately, compared to her usual curvy self.

In an interview with Fabulous magazine she said: “I think people will always discuss it, and it’s exactly why I just won’t. It just adds to it.”

And the mum-of-three explained exactly why she felt it could be a dangerous topic.

She said: “I’ve sat across from parents who have lost children from eating disorders and I don’t want to be part of that.

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“Body image is such a dull subject when there is so much to talk about. As long as you’re happy and you’re healthy, move on.”

She also hinted she might have more children in the future as she explained: “When you look around the table and you’ve got these little people you’ve made together who are just so funny, that’s when you think: ‘Maybe we should have more…’

“But that’s not a reason to have more! That’s what I keep telling myself. No, no, no! I think I’m really, definitely done. I think.” Okay Holly whatever you say!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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