After a year filled with headlines and heartache, Holly Willoughby is smiling again — and fans can’t get enough.
The beloved presenter, 44, revealed she had an “absolute blast” on a free family holiday to Universal Studios in Orlando, sharing a joyful glimpse into her adventure-filled escape on Sunday.
In a cheerful Instagram video, Holly documented her “epic half term” with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children — Harry, 16, Belle, 13, and Chester, 10.
The family’s fun-filled break included rollercoasters, cocktails, and a trip through The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where Holly sipped a Butterbeer and explored Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic.
Beaming from ear to ear, Holly looked radiant in an oversized white shirt tucked into long denim shorts, paired with white trainers and dark sunglasses. At one point, she posed with Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon, as her kids chatted excitedly with Hiccup and Astrid nearby.
The TV star looked happier than ever as she raised a giant margarita before hopping on one of Universal’s most thrilling rollercoasters. Later, she was spotted sheltering from the rain under a poncho and leopard-print cap — still smiling wide.
The adventure didn’tstop there. Holly and her family visited Volcano Bay, where she slipped into a sleek black swimsuit to enjoy cocktails by the pool.
Gushing over the experience, Holly wrote:
“What an epic half term! Nothing better than family time and making the best memories together. The kids (and the big kid in me) had an absolute blast! Massive thanks to @universalorlando, @universalorlandohotels, and @britishairwaysholidays for the most amazing trip ever.
Epic Universe… honestly, next level! The best rides EVER! Pure joy, nonstop laughs, all washed down with a few margaritas and plenty of Butterbeer#FamilyFun #PRtrip #AD #EpicUniverse.”
The holiday marks one of Holly’s first major public appearances since stepping away from This Morning two years ago, following a terrifying kidnap and murder plot that shocked fans across the UK.
Just weeks before her Orlando getaway, Holly reunited with former ITV colleague Clodagh McKenna and her sister Kelly Willoughby, 47, for a cosy countryside lunch.
The trio, dressed in autumn layers, posed in a warm kitchen with beaming smiles, sharing the caption:
“Full tummies and full hearts. Lovely day with @clodagh_mckenna and @ladywilloughby.”
The meet-up also doubled as a collaboration moment between Holly’s lifestyle brand Wylde Moon and Clodagh’s Honey by Clodagh, both built around family, calm, and nature — themes that seem to define this new chapter in Holly’s life.
Holly’s exit from This Morning in 2023 marked the end of a 14-year era. At the time, she wrote that the decision was made “for herself and her family”, following months of turmoil surrounding her public image and former co-host Phillip Schofield.
The pair’s once-strong friendship reportedly fractured after the “Queuegate” scandal and later, Schofield’s affair with a younger colleague.
Her distress deepened when security guard Gavin Plumb was arrested and later convicted for plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder the star — a chilling case that led Holly to take extended time away from television.
Plumb, 38, is currently appealing his life sentence after being found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier this year.
Now, away from the spotlight and surrounded by her family, Holly appears to be rediscovering happiness. Her Orlando trip radiated carefree laughter and gratitude — a glimpse of a woman choosing peace, healing, and joy after chaos.
Fans flooded her comments with love, calling her “glowing,” “stronger than ever,” and “the Holly we’ve missed.”
As one admirer put it perfectly:
“After everything she’s been through, seeing her this happy again feels like sunshine.”
