HOLLY Willoughby has sensationally quit her role as This Morning presenter after 14 years.
The star, 42, thanked her viewers as she shared an emotional statement revealing she had quit the ITV show.
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Holly’s last appearance on This Morning Credits: Rex
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The star, 42, revealed she was leaving the show in an Instagram post todayCredit: Rex
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Today she posted on Instagram Credit: Instagram/holly willoughby
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Holly at the 2022 National Television Awards Credit: Rex
It comes just days after it was revealed that Holly was the victim of an alleged foiled kidnapping plot.
In an Instagram post today, Holly wrote: “Today I have informed ITV 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 much.
“This is such a hard parting, you are amazing and I will forever be proud of what we have done together. I’m not going back to This Morning.
“Thank you to everyone at ITV for your support. To every guest who sat on our sofa, thank you.
Read more about Holly Willoughby
“Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You have been so loyal, supportive and the best company every day.
“Richard and Judy said ‘we just care about this series, it will always belong to the viewers’.
“It was an honor to be a part of his story and I know that this story has many more chapters.
“Unfortunately, however, I now feel that I have to make this decision for myself and my family. I will miss you all very much. Holly.”
Holly’s sudden departure comes after a turbulent year for the queen of daytime television.
She and Philip Schofield were outraged at skipping the queue to visit Her Majesty at Westminster Hall last September.
Then came the shock revelation in May that Holly’s co-star Schofield had been having an affair with a young employee, causing him to later quit the show.
After losing her sidekick of 14 years, Holly then faced last week’s horrific alleged kidnapping plot in which Gavin Plumb, 36, from Essex, was accused of contacting a “killer” in the US and allegedly making equipment to tying up as part of a plan to kidnap a mother of three.
Comes as:
Following Holly’s shock resignation, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment, ITV said: “We are saddened to see Holly leave This Morning but respect her decision which we know will be extremely difficult for her to make.
“Holly is one of the UK’s most loved, respected and successful broadcasters.
“She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years and our viewers adore her. Holly brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humor and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows and will be sorely missed by everyone on the programme.
“She remains a much-loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.”
Holly was overwhelmed with support after we revealed the details of the alleged plot.
She is said to be likely to be away from This Morning for weeks and pulled out of a red carpet event in London this week.
Her co-stars rallied behind her after she shockingly revealed she had decided to quit the show.
Alison Hammond wrote: “It’s a very sad day! I love you.”
Vanessa Feltz said: “We will miss you so much my dear.”
Former colleague and close friend Philip Schofield said: “I was so sorry to hear about everything that happened to Holly and I wanted to send my best wishes to her and her family and to all of you.”
Since Schofield’s exit from the show, Craig Doyle has been a regular on This Morning and also showed his support for Holly, writing: “We support you so much and love you to the end, we just wish it hadn’t ended up this way. This is sad a day for everyone.”
TV chef Juliet Sear added: “I’m so sad to see you go Holly and I wish you all the best for your new chapter.
“It’s been wonderful working with you for the past 8 years and making your birthday cakes for the past 14 years.
“Lots of love to you and your family.”
‘DEEPLY HIT’
In an email to staff, seen by The Sun, the director of ITV Daytime said they were supporting Holly as much as they could during a “difficult time”.
Boss Emma Gormley said she knew many staff had been “deeply affected” by news of the alleged plot.
She said many will be wondering when the host will return, but at this stage they are focused on the “safety and well-being” of Holly and her family.
Ms Gormley’s email said: “I wanted to reassure you that we have been in constant contact with Holly and the authorities during this distressing time and are providing all the support we can.
“It is inevitable that there is already speculation as to when Holly will return. However, at the moment our priority is the safety and well-being of Holly and her family.”
‘SAD DAY’
Following the news of Plumb’s alleged abduction, Lorraine Kelly told viewers: “It’s very, very upsetting, and of course we send Holly all our love and best wishes.
“It’s a terrible thing for her and her family to have to go through.”
Carole Vorderman also showed her support and shared a message on Instagram which read: “Wishing you and your family peace and strength at what must be a very difficult time after last week’s news of Holly x from my time at TM, I know you will be very supportive to the team be missed. Take care.”
Presenter Rochelle Humes commented on Holly’s heartbreaking post: “It’s a sad day. We love you x.”
Meanwhile, BBC Radio 2 legend Zoe Ball wrote: “Bless you H” and Gareth Gates posted a love heart emoji.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had also previously said following the revelation of the alleged kidnapping plot: “I was very sorry to hear about everything happening with Holly and I wanted to send my best wishes to her and her family and to all of you.”
Former TOWIE star James ‘Arg’ Argent further added his support, commenting: “Sending you all my love.”
Fellow Essex man Bobby Norris also wrote: “Sending you and your family so much love!”
‘absolutely worn out’
Holly’s fans flooded her statement on Instagram with emotional tributes.
One wrote: “So sad to read this. You put a smile on our faces during a depressing few years for many.
“Family comes first as always. Stay safe, stay strong and I wish you all the best in the future.”
Another commented: “Ugh sad to read this but you have to do what’s right for you and your family I loved watching you at your best sending you lots of love and hugs.x”
“Thank you for keeping me company every day as I raise my boys. It was great meeting you at Pride of Britain last year. I wish you and your family all the best,” agreed a third.
One devastated fan said: “Honestly @hollywilloughby I’m absolutely devastated. You’re the only reason I watch the show.
“You were a real angel during Covid and you kept so many people going.
“After all you’ve been through, I understand your decision, but I’m so bitter.”
THE ‘KIDNAPPING’ STRIKE
It is understood officers found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes at Plumb’s home when they searched last week.
Plumb was arrested by Essex police officers on October 4.
He appeared in court on October 6, charged with incitement to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnapping.
The accused was refused bail by District Judge Caroline Jackson and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Kirby, from Essex and Kent’s Serious Crime Squad, said: “This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges.
“The protection of every victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritize this and work with the City Police as the investigation progresses.”
Holly was placed under 24-hour surveillance when details of the alleged plot emerged.
This Morning bosses were alerted on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due to go on air.
Plumb, a father of one, worked as a security guard at Pinnacles Shopping Center in Harlow, Essex.
He also worked as a kitchen assistant at Pizza Hut until 2012, and at one time also worked at McDonald’s.
However, he left his role at the pizzeria chain for health reasons when his weight reached 35 stone.
Statement by Holly Willoughby in full
Today I informed ITV that after 14 years I am not returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, a big thank you.
This is such a hard parting, you are amazing and I will forever be proud of what we did together. I’m not going back to This Morning.
Thanks to everyone at ITV for your support. To every guest who sat on our sofa, thank you.
Most of all thanks to the wonderful viewers. You have been so loyal, supportive and the best company every day.
Richard and Judy said ‘we just care about this show, it will always belong to the viewers’.
It was an honor to be a part of his story and I know there are many more chapters to this story.
Unfortunately, I now feel that I have to make this decision for myself and my family. I will miss you all very much. Holly.
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Gavin Plumb appeared in court last week accused of plotting the abduction and murder of the This Morning presenter Credit: BBC
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Holly pictured with Philip Schofield on her first appearance on the show in 2009 Credit: Planet Photos
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Holly contacted Phillip Schofield after he left This Morning. Credit: Rex Features
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The former actors shared an unforgettable moment after the NTA Awards as they looked sleepy together on the sofaCredit: Rex Features
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Holly Willoughby appears on This Morning, asking viewers if they are ‘okay’ following Schofield’s fall Credit: ITV
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The pair faced a huge backlash after spectators slammed them for queue-jumping at Westminster Hall last yearCredit: Fremantle
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