Holly Willoughby admits it’s ‘really hard’ as she breaks down during emotional reunion: ‘The most scary thing’
Holly Willoughby was moved to tears during an emotional reunion with the midwife who delivered her premature daughter Belle 13 years ago.
The 44-year-old presenter became visibly emotional on Saturday night’s episode of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show when she came face-to-face with Fredette, who had helped her through what she described as “the scariest moment” of her life.
Belle was born five weeks early, leaving the television star “scared and worried” during the delivery.
Willoughby instantly recognised Fredette by her distinctive voice during the Remember Me? segment of the show, a regular feature where celebrities are reunited with people from their past.
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“This amazing, incredible woman is called Fredette,” Willoughby said. “I just remember you saying ‘We’re just going to breathe this baby out.’ It was your voice, I’ll never forget your voice.”
The retired midwife confirmed she remembered Willoughby’s delivery well.
“It was [tense]. But she was smashing,” Fredette responded when asked by McIntyre about the birth.
The 44-year-old presenter struggled to contain her emotions as she attempted to explain the personal significance of Fredette’s help.
“You made that moment that was probably the most – I can’t, it’s really hard to – it’s one of the most scary things you’ll ever go through because you just want everything to be okay,” she said, her voice breaking.
Willoughby put her hand to her heart as she recalled the experience, reiterating to the audience it was “really hard” for her to talk about.
Fredette continued to be a guiding presence during what she described as both the most frightening and most incredible moment of her life.
In a touching moment, Willoughby pointed to her daughter Belle sitting in the audience, telling Fredette: “And my daughter is actually up there. An amazing, beautiful girl, and you were the person who brought her into the world. So thank you, thank you so much.”
The emotional reunion culminated in Willoughby leaving her private box to embrace Fredette on stage.
During their heartfelt hug, she could be heard whispering to the midwife: “Thank you for coming and doing this, it’s really special,” while still fighting back tears.
Earlier in the programme, Willoughby had also been surprised by her first-ever boyfriend Oliver, who shared memories of their time together and an awkward love letter she had written to him.
She was one of several celebrity guests on the night, appearing alongside Perrie Edwards and members of Busted and McFly.