LEIGH Francis has given an update on his close pal Holly Willoughby, stating she's "not in a good place" following her This Morning exit.
Holly announced she was leaving the ITV show after 14 years in October after an alleged kidnap and murder plot.
Now Leigh, who is best known for his alter ego Keith Lemon, has given details on how the presenter is doing and said she is going through a "tough time".
He told Sunday People: "I don't think she's in a good place. She's having a tough time."
The 50-year-old became close friends with Holly during her 12-year stint on Celebrity Juice.
Holly Willoughby's BBC show put on ice with no plans for second series
Speaking at the We Free Women launch, he added that he sends texts to her every so often in an attempt to boost her morale.
He said: "I just text her? I don't ask how she is, but I send her some messages to cheer her up.
"I just go, 'Hope you're OK', and tell her about things I've bought. Like, 'I've just wasted my money on some Spider-Man Crocs, Holly? do you like them?'"
He also mentioned that he "doesn't know" if she will return to her usual spot as host for Dancing On Ice in January.
Holly sensationally quit her This Morning presenting role last month "for the sake of her family" after discovering she was the target of an alleged kidnap and murder plot.
Gavin Plumb, 36, has pleaded not guilty to charges of soliciting murder and incitement to commit kidnap the former This Morning host.
However, Holly was forced to pull out of her hosting duties and was replaced by Alison Hammond.
The star was left “shocked and distraught” after the alleged kidnap plan was exposed by police.
The mum-of-three was placed under police guard at the home she shares with her husband Dan Baldwin.
It follows a turbulent period at This Morning after Willoughby's former co-host Phillip Schofield left in May after he admitted to a relationship with a younger male colleague.
Holly Willoughby’s This Morning outfit is in the sale with 50% off
The pair also faced a huge backlash when they were accused of jumping the queue to see the late Queen lying in state.
