HOLLY Willoughby reportedly felt “forced” to quit This Morning and is “in bad shape”, a friend claims.
The presenter, 42, announced she was leaving the ITV show after 14 years in a statement on Instagram last night.
4
Friends say Holly “had no choice” but to leave the show Credit: Rex
4
It comes following the breakdown of her relationship with former co-host Phillip Schofield Credit: Rex
Holly said it was an “honour” to be part of the show, adding that there were “many more chapters”.
But angry friends revealed she felt she had to leave the role because of fears for her safety.
A friend told The Mirror: “She’s in bad shape but some things aren’t worth it as much as she loves This Morning.
“It’s terrible that one of our best presenters felt she had no choice.”
Holly is thought to have only told ITV bosses she intended to quit just minutes before her Instagram announcement last night.
She is said to have been terrified to be away from her children after Gavin Plumb was charged in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap and kill himself.
Holly spent the weekend in tears discussing the decision with her family.
But an ITV source told MailOnline: ‘Although there have been rumors of a kidnapping [allegation] when it became known that holly might decide to give it all up, bosses were confident they were giving her all the support she needed.
“Then bam, this. It was quite a shock, especially as she had promised to save This Morning after Phil was ousted. People are stunned, the place is chaos.”
Another said Holly had decided she couldn’t continue her high-profile reign and also couldn’t take her children to school.
Her shock departure is of great concern to This Morning, which is still awaiting the results of an investigation into the show into claims of “toxicity” on set.
In her statement yesterday, Holly said: “Today I let ITV know that after 14 years I will not be 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 have done together. I will not return to This Morning.
“Thank you 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, very supportive and the best company every day.”
Friends say that Holly’s conflict with former co-host Phillip Schofield (61) also played a big role.
They added: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for Holly but, in all honesty, she hasn’t been truly happy at work since the fall out with Phil. It was hard to see him hung out to dry and it took its toll.
“Fourteen years in any job is a long time, and she was considering other opportunities during the summer. It seems like the right time to leave — albeit under the darkest of circumstances.”
It follows a turbulent year for Holly as she faced an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, the breakdown of her relationship with Phillip and the “Queuegate” scandal.
Holly’s decision to quit also fueled speculation about the findings of an external investigation into the long-running series.
The inquiry was commissioned by ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall following Phil’s departure.
An ITV source added: “Alarm bells are ringing on This Morning. Holly’s departure is a huge loss and an external review has yet to see the light of day.
“It raises questions internally about how damaging the revelations might be and what effect they might have.
“Some think it’s time for an overhaul, starting at the top.”
4
Holly pictured at the National Television Awards last OctoberCredit: Rex
4
Holly alongside Josie Gibson during her final show last weekCredit: ITV/UNPIXS
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education