HOLLY Willoughby has announced she has stepped down from her role as presenter of This Morning.
The TV presenter took to social media to reveal the reason behind her shocking decision.
Why has Holly Willoughby quit This Morning?
On October 10, 2023, Holly announced her departure from This Morning.
In a statement shared on Instagram, she wrote: “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. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.
“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.
“Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.
“I will miss you all so much.”
Her exit from the show comes after she had been absent from This Morning for the past week and under police guard after an alleged plot to kidnap her emerged, according to reports.
The Sun said that ITV bosses were alerted to the alleged plot and made an arrest on Wednesday (October 4).
Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of incitement to commit kidnap.
It also emerged that cops also believe Plumb tried to recruit a “hitman” in the US to carry out the plot.
Officers thought the “hitman” was set to travel to the UK to carry out the plan as early as next week.
When did Holly Willoughby join This Morning?
Holly Willoughby joined This Morning in September 2009, replacing Fern Britton in the role.
She presented alongside Phillip Schofield until he quit in May 2023 after he admitted to having an affair with a junior colleague on the show.
Schofield also revealed he had lied about it when confronted by Holly.
She later told viewers she had felt “shaken and let down”.
However, she was widely mocked for opening the show by asking to camera: “Are you OK?”
ITV launched a review into This Morning amid claims of a “toxic culture”, leading to a backlash from viewers.
Since Schofield’s ITV exit, Willoughby had been co-hosting the programme as part of a lineup of presenters which also included Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle.
What have other TV hosts said about Holly Willoughby’s departure?
It didn’t take long before her loyal legion of fans and fellow TV friends shared their heartache at her decision online.
Fellow presenter and TV chef Donal Skehan penned: “Always the most lovely host each and every time I was on with you – thank you for being so sweet over the years and onwards and upwards! Sending lots of love.”
