Holly Willoughby has quit 'This Morning'.
Holly Willoughby has quit This Morning
The 42-year-old star has hosted the ITV1 magazine show since 2009 but announced on Tuesday (10.10.23) evening that she will not be back on the sofa again and thanked everyone for their support over the years.
She wrote on Instagram: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you."
Holly - who initially hosted alongside Phillip Schofield but following his departure earlier this year has featured alongside the likes of Josie Gibson, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, and Craig Doyle - continued her statement by thanking the viewers of the show as she recalled a quote from 1990s presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.
She said: "Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'. It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. "
The 'Dancing on Ice' presenter is married to producer Dan Baldwin and has Harry, 13, Belle, 11, and eight-year-old Chester with him and concluded her statement by noting that she feels as if she has to step down for the sake of her family.
She added: "Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much."
In the comments section, Holly's former co-stars rushed to send their support.
Alison wrote: "This is a very sad day ! Love you" whilst Vanessa Feltz said: "We will miss you so very much my darling ."
Holly's departure comes just days after it was announced she would be taking an "extended break" from the show after a a man appeared in court in Essex over a plot to kidnap and murder her.
Gavin Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, has been charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between October 2nd and 5th.
He is accused of planning to assemble a “kidnap and restraint kit” and inviting the other man to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences.
A source told The Mirror: "Holly has been left distraught by the news. This has been an absolutely horrible week for her.
"At the moment she really is getting through things hour by hour. Her absolute priority is her own safety and that of her family - who are supporting her through this incredibly difficult time.
"There has been no discussion about when, or if, she will return to the 'This Morning' sofa. No decisions have been made about that. But given the terrifying things she has learned this week, the question of returning to work could not be further from her mind."
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