Holly Willoughby has returned to 'This Morning' and admitted it is "good to be back".

Holly Willoughby

Holly Willoughby

The 39-year-old TV presenter missed the first two shows of 2021 - with her co-host Phillip Schofield admitting earlier this week she was spending "a couple of extra days with the family" - and while Holly didn't expand on the reason for her absence, the star said she has "missed" the viewers.

Opening the show, she said: "Good morning, it's lovely to be back. How are you? I've missed you. Are you all OK?

"I think we're just about holding on aren't we?"

Addressing her co-host Phillip, Holly said: "Happy new year. It's good to be back."

He said: "It's nice to see you."

It comes after Phil joked yesterday (05.01.20) that Holly was away from 'This Morning' because she was "wrapping up her filming commitments with 'The Masked Singer'".

He quipped: "Holly's not around today. She's just about to wrap up her filming commitments with 'The Masked Singer'.

"She'll be back with us tomorrow.

"Badger - who would've thought? Unbelievable. I guessed it right from the word go.

"Shouldn't have said it, but there you go."

On Monday's (04.01.20) first show of the year, Phil told viewers: "Hiya and happy new year. Welcome to the very first 'This Morning' of 2021.

"Holly is spending a couple of extra days with the family, so Rochelle is here.

"How lovely to see you."

Rochelle Humes stepped in for Holly on Monday and Tuesday.

This comes after Holly missed two days of 'This Morning' last November because her children were being tested for Covid-19.