Introduction

Holly Willoughby, one of Britain’s most beloved television presenters, has long been a style icon, with her daily outfit posts on Instagram sparking frenzies among fashion enthusiasts. Known for her work on This Morning and Dancing on Ice, Willoughby’s relatable charm and impeccable wardrobe have earned her a devoted following. In April 2018, her influence reached an unexpected and heartwarming peak when she met three 17-month-old triplets—Amelie, Maya-Albertine, and Etta—whose mother, Rebecca Wooldridge, dresses them in matching outfits inspired by Willoughby’s signature looks. The adorable encounter on This Morning captured the hearts of viewers, blending fashion, family, and a touching backstory of resilience. This article explores the delightful meeting, the inspiration behind the triplets’ style, and the broader impact of Willoughby’s influence as a role model.

The Heartwarming Encounter on This Morning

On April 30, 2018, This Morning viewers were treated to an unforgettable segment when Holly Willoughby, then 37, welcomed Rebecca Wooldridge and her triplets, Amelie, Maya-Albertine, and Etta, to the show. The 17-month-old girls, hailing from Birmingham, stole the spotlight in identical denim dungaree dresses and white shirts, mirroring Willoughby’s outfit for the day. The presenter, known for her maternal warmth, was visibly delighted, joking that she had actually taken inspiration from the triplets’ style rather than the other way around. “So lovely to meet these gorgeous girls Bertie, Etta and Amelie,” Willoughby posted on Instagram, adding, “Today I was inspired by their beautiful outfits!!!! #triplethelook”.

The segment was a blend of charm and chaos, as toddlers are wont to bring. Phillip Schofield, Willoughby’s co-host, melted hearts by getting down on the studio floor to entertain the girls with picture books, though one triplet, Bertie, briefly stole the show by bursting into tears and seeking her father off-camera. Rebecca, a full-time mother of four, shared the story behind her “Triple the Look” project, explaining how Willoughby’s positivity and fun-loving nature inspired her to dress her daughters in matching outfits. “In terms of someone who is an ambassador of positivity and fun, I couldn’t think of a better person,” Rebecca told Willoughby, highlighting the presenter’s role as a beacon of light for her family.

The Inspiration: Holly Willoughby’s Style Empire

Holly Willoughby’s fashion influence is no small feat. With over eight million Instagram followers by 2025, her daily #HWStyle posts, detailing her This Morning outfits, have become a cultural phenomenon. From high-street staples like Marks & Spencer and Zara to designer pieces from Rixo and Reformation, Willoughby’s wardrobe strikes a balance between accessible and aspirational. Her looks, often featuring floral dresses, tailored skirts, and vibrant knits, resonate with a broad audience, from young professionals to mothers like Rebecca. “Holly’s style is cool, stylish, and timeless,” notes Woman & Home, crediting her with inspiring stampedes to snap up her outfits.

Rebecca Wooldridge, a 44-year-old mother, was particularly drawn to Willoughby’s Instagram posts, which she followed closely after the birth of her triplets in October 2016. Inspired by Willoughby’s daily outfit updates, Rebecca began replicating the presenter’s looks for her daughters, creating a project she dubbed “Triple the Look.” The triplets’ outfits ranged from quirky duckling costumes to rainbow tights and, of course, the denim dungarees that matched Willoughby’s on their This Morning appearance. “We love Holly Willoughby, and after seeing her ‘today’s look’ posts on Instagram, I decided to create my own daily posts,” Rebecca told the Daily Mail.

The project wasn’t just about fashion—it was a celebration of the triplets’ identity and a creative outlet for Rebecca. “It’s lovely being able to dress the girls the same as I see it as a celebration of their identity as triplets, they are such little miracles,” she said. With over 2,000 Instagram followers at the time, the triplets’ daily poses in their living room, often with their older brother Felix playing peek-a-boo behind the camera, became an internet sensation.

A Family’s Journey of Resilience

The story behind the triplets’ adorable outfits is deeply intertwined with Rebecca and her husband David’s decade-long struggle to build their family. After marrying in 2006, the couple faced infertility challenges, with doctors informing Rebecca that her low egg count made conception unlikely without assistance. Over ten years, they spent £60,000 on IVF treatments worldwide, eventually welcoming their son Felix, conceived naturally, after seven years of trying. The triplets—Amelie, Maya-Albertine, and Etta—were conceived through further IVF in April 2016, but their arrival was fraught with complications.

Born at 29 weeks due to Rebecca’s health issues, the triplets weighed just 2lb6 to 2lb8 each and spent their first 11 weeks in hospital. Their early months were marked by serious health scares, including Amelie’s three-day coma from paraflu and Bertie’s emergency heart surgery in March 2017. Rebecca, diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder amid these challenges, found solace in dressing her daughters in coordinated outfits. “Since we started tripling the look, we feel that cloud has lifted and we’re enjoying being a family in good health,” she shared on This Morning.

Willoughby, a mother of three herself, connected deeply with Rebecca’s story. During the segment, she expressed admiration for the family’s resilience, saying she was “honoured” to be their style icon. The encounter was a poignant reminder of how public figures like Willoughby can inspire personal triumphs, even in small, everyday acts like choosing an outfit.

The This Morning Magic: A Moment of Joy

The This Morning segment was a masterclass in daytime television’s ability to blend heartwarming storytelling with lighthearted fun. Willoughby’s natural warmth shone through as she gushed over the triplets, while Schofield’s playful babysitting—reading books and keeping the toddlers entertained—earned praise from viewers. “I am loving @Schofe with the triplets. He is amazing!! #loveschofield #arealman #warmstheheart,” one fan tweeted, while another wrote, “ME SEEING @Schofe ON THE FLOOR WITH THE TRIPLETS MY HEART HAS MELTED SO PURE OMG”.

The triplets’ appearance wasn’t without its toddler-sized drama. When Bertie became overwhelmed and cried, a crew member swiftly whisked her to her father, allowing the interview to continue. Rebecca, calm and composed, shared how she manages the daily task of dressing her daughters, often choosing colorful outfits to brighten rainy days. “Unlike Holly, I post the triplets’ fashion styles every day, including the weekends,” she noted, emphasizing her commitment to the project.

The segment resonated with viewers, who flooded social media with adoration for the triplets’ cuteness and Willoughby’s genuine enthusiasm. “Oh the cuteness!” one fan tweeted, while another praised the “beautiful interview” and Schofield’s rapport with the toddlers. The moment underscored Willoughby’s appeal as a relatable figure who inspires not just fashion choices but also moments of joy and connection.

Holly Willoughby’s Broader Influence

The triplets’ story is a testament to Willoughby’s far-reaching influence as a style icon and role model. Her outfits, meticulously curated by stylists like Angie Smith, have sparked sell-outs across high-street and designer brands. A £39 M&S skirt, a £28 ASOS floral dress, or her iconic Grenson Nanette boots—worn since her 2018 I’m a Celebrity stint and later reimagined in her own collection—consistently fly off shelves. Grazia notes that Willoughby’s looks, from Rixo florals to Sézane co-ords, are a highlight of shows like Celebrity Bear Hunt, where her wardrobe choices inspire viewers to shop.

Beyond fashion, Willoughby’s positivity resonates with fans like Rebecca. Her role as a mother, her advocacy for family values, and her openness about personal challenges—like stepping away from This Morning in 2023 after a kidnap plot—make her a figure of relatability and strength. For Rebecca, Willoughby’s “ambassador of positivity and fun” persona provided a lifeline during tough times, turning a simple act of dressing her daughters into a celebration of life.

The Legacy of “Triple the Look”

By 2025, the triplets—now approaching their ninth birthday—have left a lasting mark on Willoughby’s legacy. The “Triple the Look” Instagram page, which grew to over 12,000 followers, continues to charm audiences with the girls’ coordinated outfits, from rainbow stripes to floral dresses inspired by Willoughby’s Dancing on Ice looks. Rebecca’s project has inspired other parents to embrace creative bonding with their children, while her story of overcoming infertility and health challenges resonates with families worldwide.

For Willoughby, the encounter remains a cherished moment. Her Instagram post about the triplets, complete with heart emojis, reflects her genuine affection for the girls and their mother’s creativity. The segment also highlighted her ability to connect with diverse audiences, from fashionistas to parents, reinforcing her status as a national treasure.

Conclusion

Holly Willoughby’s meeting with Amelie, Maya-Albertine, and Etta on This Morning in 2018 was more than a cute TV moment—it was a celebration of fashion, family, and resilience. The 17-month-old triplets, dressed in matching outfits inspired by Willoughby’s iconic style, brought joy to viewers and showcased the presenter’s profound influence as a role model. Rebecca Wooldridge’s “Triple the Look” project, born from a decade of struggle and a love for Willoughby’s positivity, transformed daily outfit posts into a symbol of hope and togetherness.

As Willoughby continues to captivate audiences with her style and warmth, the triplets’ story serves as a reminder of the power of small acts to inspire big dreams. From denim dungarees to rainbow tights, the “mini-mes” and their mother have carved out a unique place in Willoughby’s narrative, proving that fashion can be a bridge between personal triumphs and public adoration. In a world often clouded by challenges, the triplets’ adorable outfits and Willoughby’s heartfelt response offer a timeless dose of joy.