How survival expert helped Holly Willoughby 'dig deep' during TV return

has opened up on how working on one particular project taught her “transferable skills” about fear. Earlier this year, the former presenter .

In October 2023, . Announcing her exit, the TV personality said it had “been an honour” to be a part of the iconic daytime show, though she’d made the decision to leave “for me and my family”.

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Last year following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

After a short break from TV, . Filmed in Costa Rica, the show saw 12 celebrities become prey for Bear Grylls as they put their survival and endurance skills to the test.

Speaking about her time working on the show, Holly previously told how she’d returned feeling stronger than before and had learned new life skills from the survival expert. “There were a few moments on this show where I had to dig deep and have a strong word with myself,” she said.

“At those times it was good to have someone like Bear Grylls next to you saying, ‘being brave is about using that fear, harnessing it and doing it anyway’. He has definitely given me some transferable skills and being in nature allows you to put your thinking down for a bit and be present.”

In July 2024, ex security guard after being found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder Holly. The court heard how the sinister plan had had a ‘life-changing’ impact on the presenter, who courageously waived her right to anonymity. , which airs on May 1.

Following Plumb’s sentencing, Nicola Rice, a specialist prosecutor in the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The sentence handed down to Gavin Plumb ensures he will remain in prison, where he can no longer threaten or harm women.

“There is no doubt Gavin Plumb posed a real danger and the CPS proved that his plans to kidnap, rape and murder were more than mere fantasy and he had every intention of encouraging others to help him.

“I hope today’s sentence brings some comfort to the victim, as well as the victims of his previous offences and sends a clear message that the CPS will always bring the strongest possible case against those who plan violence against women.”

In a statement Holly said: “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and forces for their swift response.

“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women. I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible.”

In January 2025, the former This Morning star reflected on her “tough” year and explained that “nothing can prepare you for something like that”. During an interview with , Holly in what was her first interview for over a year, said the subject was “really so hard” to discuss.

“When something like that happens, you have a decision to make. You either decide, right, I can take this on board and it can absolutely affect all aspects of my life. Or I can make a choice to go, let’s focus on everything that’s positive and good, all those important things,” she said.

She also explained how it was “not an option” to let the situation consume her life. “I think that — although I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anybody at all — sometimes things go wrong, but you have to keep going for it because that’s all you can do,” she added.

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