Holly Willoughby’s ‘awkward’ new YouTube show divides fans and critics after first episode: ‘Borefest!’
Holly Willoughby’s debut YouTube series Together dropped today and has been met with mixed reviews by critics and fans.
Some critics awarded it just a single star and drew an unflattering comparison to Meghan Markle’s much-maligned Netflix lifestyle programme, With Love, Meghan.
The 45-year-old former This Morning presenter’s inaugural episode featured The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, 65, as her first guest.
The Telegraph was particularly scathing, writing: “Holly Willoughby’s dire YouTube show makes Meghan look good… Not even Stanley Tucci can redeem this 50-minute borefest of awkward small talk, forced swearing and pie tin trivia.”
Holly Willoughby’s new YouTube series Together has received a mixed response from critics and viewers
|
YOUTUBE / HOLLY WILLOUGHBY TOGETHER
The Guardian, meanwhile, branded the programme “a marginally less agonising With Love, Meghan.”
Critics took aim at numerous specific failings in the episode, which saw Ms Willoughby and Mr Tucci prepare a pasta dish together.
Reviewers highlighted the bloated 50-minute running time, unstable camerawork, and what they perceived as contrived profanity designed to distinguish the show from her daytime television persona.
The pair’s on-screen chemistry also came under fire.
Ms Willoughby was a familiar face on ITV’s This Morning for 14 years
|
ITVThe Telegraph’s critic noted that the duo was so bereft of things to discuss that “they end up reading out the ingredients list of a Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie.”
An early moment in the cookery segment drew particular attention, when Mr Tucci handed Ms Willoughby a coloured courgette, and she responded with “I’ve never seen one like this before”, an innuendo reminiscent of her well-known This Morning slip-ups.
Other publications also had their say.
The Guardian ended up awarding three stars, describing Ms Willoughby as having “done a Meghan, rebranding herself as a cookery guru with a YouTube show that veers from agonisingly dull courgette slicing to sweary banter.”
Stanley Tucci appeared as Ms Willoughby’s first guest
|
YOUTUBE / HOLLY WILLOUGHBY TOGETHER
The Mirror, also giving three stars, suggested the episode would have benefited from being trimmed to 30 or 40 minutes and argued that having multiple guests rather than just one might have produced livelier conversation.
The i Paper was blunter, calling Together “a confused attempt to present herself as relatable” and arguing that Ms Willoughby had yet to decide whether she wanted to offer unfiltered authenticity or aspirational glamour.
The Times’ critic praised Mr Tucci as “effortlessly charismatic” whilst acknowledging the show looked polished enough to attract quality guests.
Many viewers at home quickly flooded the comments section to share their views on the YouTube series.
One fan wrote: “Ah wow, so good to see you back, Holly. Stanley is just a love. That recipe is so good too. I will defo be trying it.”
Another penned: “Loved this! I will be watching every episode.”
“You’re just a natural, and I love your show,” added a third.
However, others were more critical.
The TV star has insisted she is ‘not everyone’s cup of tea’
|
PAOne person commented: “It’s not working for me…”
“Oh dear!” another viewer declared, as a third simply wrote “Nope!” (sic)
Ms Willoughby herself appeared unfazed by the critical reception.
Speaking to The Daily Mail last week, she said: “I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I know that, and that’s fine. I don’t want to try to convince people if they don’t want to watch.”
Critics compared Holly Willoughby’s new YouTube series to Meghan Markle’s Netflix lifestyle programme With Love, Meghan
|
NETFLIX
The TV star added: “I don’t fear what people think. I’ve had real fear; I know what that’s like. Your perspective changes after something like that.”
Ms Willoughby’s latest venture marks a significant shift in her career following her departure from ITV’s This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years on the programme.
The presenter announced she was stepping down “for me and my family” after an extraordinarily difficult year, which saw her long-time co-host Phillip Schofield leave the broadcaster amid scandal before police uncovered and foiled a plot to kidnap and murder her.
After taking an extended break from the spotlight, Ms Willoughby returned to front Dancing on Ice alongside Stephen Mulhern until ITV rested the series in early 2025.
Comments are closed.