Holly Willoughby's dream came true when she starred in 'This Morning' panto.

Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby

The 39-year-old TV presenter took on the title role of Cinderella in the ITV daytime show panto earlier this month and was delighted to take on the part as she always wanted to star in a pantomime.

She told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "I was so excited about this. I have always wanted to be in a pantomime and yet because of work commitments and family commitments it's not something that I've been able to do and I am definitely borderline way too old to be playing Cinderella, however this year I got to play Cinderella for the very first time in my life and I was so excited to wear the dress. I'm going to try and wear it again during Christmas Day I think - that's my plan!"

Holly was joined by her co-star Phillip Schofield who played Buttons and Joanna Lumley, who played the wicked stepmother.

She was also joined by Christopher Biggins, Vanessa Feltz, Martin Lewis and Phil Vickery, as well as Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford appeared as Santa Claus and Mrs Claus.

Sheridan Smith also appeared as Peter Pan in a showstopping finish to the show.

Meanwhile, Christmas will be a little different for Holly this year as she and Phillip are set to host the first-ever Christmas Day show.

However, the blonde beauty has learned a lot over the past 12 months and will be looking to appreciate things more as she heads into the new year.

She added: “I've learnt a lot about the important things in life, things that I've taken for granted for a very long time that I will never take for granted ever again. Simple things like hugging your loved ones, seeing your friends, going out for dinner, not having to queue when you walk into a shop, all of those things.

“I think what I will be taking into 2021 is a new appreciation for all of the simple and most important things in life - I mean it has certainly put my priorities in order that's for sure.”