She was the nation’s sweetheart set for a long and illustrious career at the forefront of British television.

But following her ‘year from hell’, which saw her embroiled in Phillip Schofield’s controversial This Morning exit and become the subject of a terrifying kidnap plot, Holly Willoughby could be set to continue her TV career in America.

It’s a scenario that seemed highly unlikely just 18 months ago, when in-demand Ms Willoughby, 42, was locked in a contract battle between ITV and the BBC.

Yet for the first time in her career she’s now a ‘free agent’ and is keen to explore opportunities across the pond and draw a line under her domestic troubles.

It’s a prospect she’s ‘excited’ about, even though discussions are still at a relatively early stage.

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She was the nation’s sweetheart set for a long and illustrious career at the forefront of British television but following her ‘year from hell’ Holly Willoughby could be set to continue her TV career in America

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It’s a scenario that seemed highly unlikely just 18 months ago, when in-demand Ms Willoughby was locked in a contract battle between ITV and the BBC

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The Dancing On Ice host feels there’s no harm in seeing what’s out there and discovering whether she can follow in the footsteps of Cat Deeley, pictured, by landing TV jobs across the pond

Given her three children are settled at school and her husband Dan Baldwin fronts a highly successful TV production firm, a switch Stateside would be a seismic move for all concerned, which she’s only too aware of.

But currently the Dancing On Ice host feels there’s no harm in seeing what’s out there and discovering whether she can follow in the footsteps of fellow Britons James Corden and Cat Deeley by landing lucrative TV jobs across the pond.

A source said: ‘Holly’s had an incredibly tough year, it’s really taken it out of her.

‘She thought long and hard about returning for Dancing On Ice and it’s proved to be the correct decision, it’s got her back in the groove again.

‘Jobs in America have always been at the back of her mind but due to circumstance, now they’ve become a genuine reality and she’s excited by that.

‘Discussions are taking place and she’s in no rush to take on any roles, but if there is a presenting gig she feels passionate about Stateside, she has the freedom now to explore it.’

Ms Willoughby quit This Morning after 14 years in October following Schofield’s sacking from the broadcaster.

Schofield left the show after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and lying to his co-star when questioned about the mounting speculation.

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Ms Willoughby quit This Morning after 14 years in October following Schofield’s sacking from the broadcaster (pictured in May)

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She deliberated over whether to present Dancing On Ice with new co-host Stephen Mulhern, finally deciding to return to work in the New Year (pictured in January)

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Corden hosted American talk show The Late Late Show from 2015 until 2023, establishing himself as an A-list star in the States (pictured in November)

After she returned to the ITV programme without him, Ms Willoughby was mocked for the statement she made addressing the nation, asking whether viewers were ‘okay’ following the revelation.

She then faced a further setback as a man was arrested for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, leaving her terrified.

According to reports, she was too afraid to leave her house after Gavin Plumb was charged for the crime, forcing her off-air for months.

She deliberated over whether to present Dancing On Ice with new co-host Stephen Mulhern, finally deciding to return to work in the New Year.

But it could be the last UK show she presents before going to America with sources close to Ms Willoughby saying it is the first time in her career she’s a ‘free agent’ and looking for new prospects.

A source told the Sun on Sunday said that Ms Willoughby is meeting with ‘US bigwigs’ including bosses at streaming platform Disney+.

They explained: ‘Holly’s a free agent and for the first time in years she’s free to be courted by these huge streaming platforms.

‘A number of US networks and production companies have been interested in her for a while and she’s caught the attention of some major brands.’

Ms Willoughby won’t be the first British star to crack America.

TV presenter Ms Deeley spent 14 years in Hollywood after becoming an award-winning host for So You Think You Can Dance.

Meanwhile, Corden hosted American talk show The Late Late Show from 2015 until 2023, establishing himself as an A-list star in the States.