The television landscape is buzzing with anticipation as Holly Willoughby, a household name in British entertainment, is reportedly orchestrating a solo comeback designed to be her most triumphant act yet. After a period of relative quiet following the conclusion of some recent projects, Willoughby, backed by her husband and veteran TV producer Dan Baldwin, is strategically planning her return to the spotlight.

Sources close to the couple suggest they are leaving no stone unturned, leveraging their extensive network of contacts within the entertainment industry. The power couple is keen to call upon their famous friends to make this "career-saving" pitch as successful as possible. The aim is to assemble a proposal so compelling it captures the attention of major broadcasters and propels Holly back into prime time.

Willoughby's ambitions are clear: to reclaim her position as a leading female presenter, and perhaps even surpass it. Her departure from "This Morning," a daytime staple she co-hosted for many years, marked a significant shift, but those close to her insist it was never intended as a permanent exit from the world of television. Instead, it was a strategic retreat to regroup and revitalize her career on her own terms.

The partnership with Dan Baldwin is central to this strategy. Their professional collaboration dates back to 2004, and their shared understanding of the industry, combined with their personal bond, makes them a formidable team. Baldwin's experience and insights are proving invaluable as they navigate the complexities of the current television market and identify opportunities for Holly to shine.

While details remain tightly under wraps, the buzz surrounding Willoughby's potential return is palpable. Industry insiders are whispering about a project that could redefine her image and showcase her versatility. The ambition is to craft a show that not only captivates audiences but also establishes Willoughby as a solo force to be reckoned with.

The source stated that 'Anyone who has written Holly off has another thing coming,' emphasising the television personality's unwavering determination. 'She’s never been more determined. The move is going to be spectacular, and Dan is her secret weapon.'

'She and Dan both know she has what it takes to go solo in a primetime evening slot, and they plan to make her the biggest female presenter in the UK again. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with,' they added.

The insider continued that, even though the plans are in the early stages, they are 'quietly sounding out friends from the TV and music industry to get them onboard for a potential new primetime show fronted by Holly.'

Notably, Willoughby is said to have been seeking advice "under the radar," reaching out to key figures in the television and film world to gauge their support for a potential new project. Her recent social appearances, including a gathering with close friends at a birthday celebration, hint at the strong network of support she has cultivated over the years.

Among her confidantes are familiar faces like Christine Lampard, Nicole Appleton, Natalie Appleton, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, and pop-singer-turned-DJ Kate Thornton. These relationships underscore the collaborative spirit that Willoughby brings to her work and the importance she places on the counsel of trusted peers.

Moreover, Willoughby has reportedly rekindled her bond with former colleague, Fearne Cotton, signaling a possible reunion of the beloved duo. Cotton's experience and perspective could prove invaluable as Willoughby charts her solo course.

In the past, Willoughby faced personal challenges when she had to take time out of the limelight as Michael Barrett was awaiting trial for plotting to abduct, rape and kill her. He was later jailed for at least 16 years. These events understandably had a profound impact on Willoughby, influencing her decision to prioritize her family's well-being. However, they also fueled her resolve to return to television on her own terms, when the time was right and her family was safe.

The source also shared that 'This isn’t a new thing — Holly has always had ambitions way beyond the This Morning sofa. And when she left for family reasons following her really traumatic year in 2023, she always had in her mind that she would come back bigger and better when the time was right — and so long as it was safe for her family.'

The insider continued that 'She can see herself being the first big female primetime chat show host — a bit like a female Jonathan Ross.' Ross is known for his humour, knowledge and in-depth interviews with some of the world's most famous people.

'Now some time has passed and she’s starting to get itchy feet. The children are older and she has more time on her hands, especially since her soft-launch comeback show with Bear Grylls,' they added.

There was 'some tension there in the Dancing on Ice camp, and Holly wanted them to work together on something. But obviously he has had other commitments, like the relaunch of Deal or No Deal. But now they are both committed to the big Holly comeback.'

The source concluded that 'they are both taking it very seriously and quietly starting to put out feelers in their showbiz network to see who they can get on board to make a pitch as appealing as possible to broadcasters.'

Interestingly, Holly Willoughby has primarily collaborated with co-hosts throughout her career, particularly Phillip Schofield. Their partnership on "This Morning" spanned 14 years, and they also co-hosted "Dancing On Ice." The end of their on-screen relationship due to Schofield's controversies presented a significant turning point, paving the way for Willoughby to explore new avenues.

The insider stated that 'For anyone who thinks this is the end of her career, they are going to have a big surprise because when she does make her comeback, it’s going to be bigger and better than what she’s done before.'

While Willoughby's recent appearances on shows like Netflix’s "Celebrity Bear Hunt" alongside Bear Grylls have kept her in the public eye, they haven't quite captured the level of attention she seeks. The cancellation of "Celebrity Bear Hunt," along with her departure from "Dancing On Ice" and "You Bet!," suggest a desire for more substantive and impactful projects.

The ambition, according to sources, is to create an evening show, departing from the daytime format that defined her previous work. Willoughby envisions a solo hosting role, engaging with celebrity guests in a format that showcases her interviewing skills and charisma. Importantly, she aims to attract a higher caliber of guests than those typically featured on shows like "Celebrity Juice," which she co-hosted with Fearne Cotton.

The source concluded that 'She’s 45 next year and she’s at a time in her life when she is ready to go solo without a co-host by her side — and she sees this as the way to do it.'