Live webchat with Holly Willoughby and her sister Kelly, Wednesday 19 June, 2-3pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Holly Willoughby and sister Kelly are joining us for a webchat on Wednesday 19th June at 2-3pm.  Holly and Kelly always dreamt of writing a story together since their childhood when they would make up stories and dress up and perform for their parents. Their dream has come true as their first book School for Stars: First Term at L'etoile is being published on 20th June. Set in a performing arts boarding school, the story is a perfect mix ofGlee and X Factor but with all the classic charm of Ballet Shoes and Malory Towers; full of midnight feasts, makeovers, dares, drama and dance. 
 
Holly is best known for presenting ITV1's flagship daytime programme This Morning as well as prime-time shows Surprise Surprise and The Voice.  She won a Children's BAFTA award for best presenter in 2006. Kelly has always dreamt of being an author and is delighted to be realising her dream with her sister.
 
Come and chat to Holly and Kelly on Weds 19th at 2pm, but if you're unable to join us at that time, post your question in advance to this thread.
 

Holly and Kelly will also be signing copies of their new book after school next Thursday 20th June at 4.15pm in Harrods Toy Kingdom.  Find out more.
 

[fairisleknitter]

spotty I was referring to the fact that I hadn't posted a question but gone off at a tangent.

[AllYoursBabooshka]

I haven't either fairis

Alright.

Holly and Kelly, Wot's yer favorite biscuit?

[Sparklingbrook]

Is anyone going to ask a question?

[spottybanana]

Well, AllYoursBabooshka has come up with the best one.

[LeGavrOrf]

I think Holly is an extremely good TV presenter - warm, shows empathy, and obviously has worked hard to achieve a considerable success.

I read something very interesting recently, where her colleague Reggie Yates was annoyed that Holly is referred to as Willybooby, and that she has to explain herself and be subject to judgement about her looks and image which he in the main (as a male) escapes.

I would like to ask if Holly also feels annoyed that her image trumps the substance of what she does as a broadcaster, or if she feels that she has gained from this image, hence the continued appearance and acceptance of the comments on CJ.

[ShadeofViolet]

Would you feel the same about Ellie if she appeared on CJ, talked about sex and swore a lot

If it was a regular slot then yes.

Or if Julie started designing a new line of leather bondage attire? Not unless she appeared on TV advertising it

[StyleManual]

Ooh Holly, I just wanted to ask what Gino D'Acampo's like in real life. Is he as much of a flirt as he seems or is that just for telly?

[AllYoursBabooshka]

I reckon Julie would! :o

[SarahAndFuck]

Holly, what did you really think of Samantha Brick when you interviewed her?

Have to say, I'm another one who can't really reconcile the words roll model with the clip of you and Kelly Brook blindfolded and trying to find the straw to drink a cocktail with, while that godawful Keith pokes dildos near your mouths.

[SarahAndFuck]

Role model even.

[LeGavrOrf]

I don't think because HW is writing books for children that she needs to become a role model.

But I do think it is an interesting question that banana made about the wildly disparate media images which HW has.

[Youcanringmybell]

Holly and Kelly - When writing your book did you feel you both had similar experiences as children or did you remember your childhood's very differently?

[Sparklingbrook]

They are on Loose Women right now.

[SarahAndFuck]

It's not the books for children bit that bothers me as such about her being called a role model. Holly has a successful career regardless of the books and before CJ was on air. That success should be good enough to qualify as a role model but then she goes and ruins it by taking part in something that was really seedy and low.

That clip was awful. Both of them blindfold while some sneering bloke poked dildos at them and everyone laughed at them.

There's just something seedy about that that doesn't sit right. It wasn't funny, and the people laughing at it were not laughing with Holly and Kelly Brook, they were laughing at them. It just perpetuates the image of women being a sexual joke.

[Sparklingbrook]

HW's DH produces CJ.

[ShadeofViolet]

I don't think because HW is writing books for children that she needs to become a role model

I dont either, but that is what the amazon page says;

'A brand new series from two sisters who are well acquainted with stardom. Holly is a celebrity who is also a role model.'

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

OK, proper question, Holly and Kelly.

There are "celebrity children's authors" like Jordan and Darcey Bussell, who have books with their names on but are known to use ghostwriters so don't count.
Then there are proper children's authors like Jacqueline Wilson or Cressida Cowell. If you identify with the second camp, you have a big opportunity to influence young girls. What message would you want to give them?

[EmpressOfTheSevenOceans]

And another one. I understand you're dyslexic, Holly - would you say that's made much difference to your career?

[ThisReallyIsNotSPNopeNotAtAll]

I dont see the issue with Holly been on CJ. Shes an adult who is on a show for adults that mentions sex. So what? I watch CJ now and again and find it funny. I laugh along with them all.

I say good luck to her and Kelly.

I would like to know if Holly and Kelly have ever had an argument? Like a huge one and if so what about?

Sisters fight. They must do

[Jenda]

I served you both in a shop in Brighton a few years ago. I was too shy to say anything though!

Kelly- do you find it really strange that Holly is papped all the time and is in the public eye so much when to you she is just your sister?

[LaRegina]

Holly sadly it seems that women on tv have a 'sell by' date that just doesn't apply to men.

How do you feel about the fact that in the future you could be forced to step aside as a presenter to make way for a younger model, with Philip Schofield & others quite possibly still doing their jobs?

[AllYoursBabooshka]

Sarah you write that as though they are not aware of the situation. Kelly Brook and Holly are adults, I'm sure the reason they did it is so people would find it funny.

Wouldn't it be worse to say "Sorry, you can't mess about with dildos on TV because you are women and people may laugh at you"

CJ juice isn't my style of humor but everyone is different. It's very popular with both sexes and as far as I'm aware the male celebrities get just it just as "bad".

[Sparklingbrook]

For me it's more the messing about with dildos on CJ and then a heart wrenching interview on TM with bereaved parents. Bit confusing.

[bedmonster]

My questions are...

Where did your double coined necklace come from
(Someone thought your mum had designed it), its lovely :)

And have you and schofe had a falling out cos you don't seem to have as much on screen chemistry as before (sorry!)


And Kelly, who designed your wedding dress?

[ParadiseChick]

Sparkling that's pretty much it for me