Holly Willoughby illness: is this what caused her shingles?

Holly Willoughby is missing from This Morning this week, sharing on Instagram that she's come down with shingles.

According to the NHS website, shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash, with symptoms including feeling under the weather on top of the uncomfortable rash.

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What causes shingles?

Most cases of shingles are thought to be caused by lowered immunity, meaning you're more susceptible to illness, but physical and emotional stress are a key reason people get shingles.

RELATED: Phillip Schofield shares gratitude as he returns to This Morning amid Holly Willoughby's absence 

Though Holly has been off our screens for several weeks due to the Easter holidays, meaning she hasn't been under work stress, the presenter does tend to have a jampacked schedule most of the time, which could be taking its toll. Plus, having several different This Morning co-hosts in the weeks before the holidays, due to Phillip Schofield's time off, could have been more stressful.

© Karwai Tang

As well as being away from This Morning, having shingles has also forced Holly to take a break from her beloved Wylde Moon newsletter.

In Monday's edition of the weekly email, the introduction, which is normally written by Holly herself, read: "We're having to do this letter a little differently this week as poor Holly is suffering from Shingles, so whilst she gets some much-needed R&R, the rest of the team wanted to take the opportunity to say hello and check in how you are."

The newsletter concluded with well wishes for Holly. "Thanks for having us and fingers crossed Holly will be back next Monday… she's so much better at this!"

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Though Holly is still missing from the This Morning sofa, her co-host Phillip Schofield is back, following the trial of his brother.

At the top of the programme on Monday, he thanked viewers for their support during his time off and also sent well wishes to Holly. Watch his address below.

After his message to Holly, Phillip addressed his absence from the show, saying: "I wanted to say that it is really lovely to be back. I have missed the show and everyone here."

Looking into the camera, he said: "Also to you, I wanted to say thank you for all your kind messages and support, which were really appreciated. So, thank you very much indeed."

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