Holly Willoughby dedicates boozy post to 'beautiful' best pal Christine Lampard
Holly Willoughby has paid a boozy tribute to one of her best pals Christine Lampard on her birthday.
The 42-year-old made a return to social media last month following a three-month break from the spotlight after dramatically quitting This Morning in October and revealing she and her family had been the target of death threats.
Since then, Holly has shared a series of glamorous posts as it was announced she would still be presenting Dancing on Ice alongside new co-host Stephen Mulhern. In her latest glam snap the mum-of-three was pictured drinking cocktails with bestie and fellow TV presenter Christine, who turned 45 today.
Wearing matching black velvet dresses - with Holly going for a strapless look and Christine a sleek halter neck - the gal pals looked to be living their best life as they giggled at the camera. Holly captioned the post: “Happy birthday to my beautiful friend @christinelampard... here’s to my fellow Aquarian! Love ya,” as they sipped cocktails.
Last month both Christine and Holly were snapped with close pal and Spice Girl Emma Bunton as they celebrated her 48th birthday on January 21. All Saints star Nicole Appleton was also in the photo as they are all part of the same friendship group.
Phillip Schofield mocks Molly-Mae's baby name in cruel swipe at Love Island starNicole was one of the first to comment underneath Holly's new photo, writing: “Beautiful girls! Happy birthday @christinelampard.” Actress and former EastEnders star Tracy-Ann Oberman wrote: “Love your friendship group – it’s based on real friendship,” followed by a red love heart. Interior designer to the stars Kelly Hoppen also wished Christine a happy birthday, along with dozens of fans sending well wishes.
Holly’s latest social media posts mark a return to the limelight for the TV star, who has had a rough few months of it. Back on October 10 last year, she revealed she would be quitting This Morning following former best pal and co-host Phillip Schofield’s affair scandal. She also shared part of her decision to quit was down to police uncovering a man had been plotting to kidnap and murder her, for which he has since been arrested.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Holly wrote: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.
"Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.
"Richard and Judy said, 'We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.' It's been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly."
Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have since been revealed by The Mirror as Holly and Phil's replacements. Now she’s back on TV screens, there could be much bigger things in Holly’s future, including global fame, as she is reportedly touted to host a brand new game show for which will follow a format similar to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Holly is said to be heading to a jungle environment to helm a brand new show which will see her presiding over daring trials where celebrities will go up against notorious survivalist, Bear Grylls.