Ashley James, a prominent star on ITV’s *This Morning*,

recently shared her thoughts on the terrifying stalking ordeal Holly Willoughby experienced, as well as her concerns about the rise in misogyny and the safety of women. 

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s new show *Corteo*, Ashley, 

who has been a target of trolling herself, expressed her empathy for Holly and discussed the broader issue of violence and harassment women face.

Holly Willoughby’s stalker was sentenced to life imprisonment last summer after a chilling plot to harm the *This Morning* presenter was uncovered. 

This harrowing event highlighted the dangers faced by high-profile individuals, but Ashley pointed out that women everywhere, not just those in the public eye, are subjected to similar threats. 

“I feel like no one is doing enough to combat attacks on women,” Ashley shared, adding that she feels particularly concerned for women and girls growing up in today’s society.

Ashley also weighed in on the influence of controversial figures like Andrew Tate, who has been criticized for promoting toxic and misogynistic behavior. Tate, who has publicly identified as a “misogynist” and faces charges related to sex trafficking (which he denies), has sparked outrage for his comments. Ashley believes that such figures are making women more vulnerable to attacks. “I think he’s normalising really toxic behaviours, and that is really damaging for boys and girls,” she said, voicing her concerns about how these attitudes are influencing younger generations.

Although Ashley has been the target of social media trolling, she has thankfully not encountered stalkers. However, she revealed that the more visible you become, the more likely you are to face online abuse. “The better you do, the more that you’re exposed to trolling,” she explained. Despite this, Ashley has learned to detach herself from the negativity. “I’ve learned not to let other people’s issues affect me because I guess the trolling is others’ unhappiness projected onto you,” she added. Despite these personal experiences, Ashley noted that the dangers are not limited to famous people, pointing out that many women across the country are facing similar threats.

As a self-proclaimed “voice for women” and campaigner for social justice, Ashley has been outspoken on numerous issues, including women’s rights and the struggles faced by single mothers. She expressed concern for her daughter’s future, fearing the rise in misogyny and the social pressures women continue to face. Ashley even made headlines recently by dressing as a character from *The Handmaid’s Tale* on Instagram in protest against the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade law, which granted U.S. women the right to abortion and reproductive freedom.

Ashley has also faced outdated judgment and shame for becoming a single mother in her 30s. She openly discussed the societal pressures that still exist for women who don’t follow traditional paths, emphasizing the importance of removing stigma and supporting women’s autonomy. “We should be celebrating women’s choices, not shaming them,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to advocating for women’s rights.

On a more personal note, Ashley is also enjoying her time on *This Morning* and has been bonding with Holly Willoughby’s replacement, Cat Deeley. Ashley has long admired Cat, calling her one of her “childhood heroes” and praising her as “an incredibly amazing” woman. The two first met on *Good Morning Britain*, and Ashley shared that it has been a joy to work with her behind the scenes. The positive experiences on set have been a bright spot for Ashley amidst the challenges she has faced in both her personal and public life.

Ashley’s thoughts at the *Corteo* premiere were also filled with excitement for the Cirque du Soleil show, which depicts the afterlife through the eyes of a clown. The show’s stunning performances, including trampolining, trapezing, and backflipping, were a perfect distraction for Ashley as she continues to navigate her own journey of empowerment and advocacy.

Ashley James’ reflections on Holly Willoughby’s ordeal, combined with her own experiences and concerns, underline the pressing need for society to address issues of misogyny, harassment, and women’s safety. Her voice is one of many calling for change, and as she continues to advocate for a safer world, her message resonates with women everywhere.

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