Holly Willoughby quits This Morning after 14 years
Holly Willoughby has quit her role as This Morning presenter after 14 years.
The TV presenter announced her decision to step down on Instagram this afternoon (October 10), sharing a message with her followers.
"I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," began the statement. "To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so much.
Related: This Morning star gives birth to baby girl and reveals sweet name
"This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together," she continued. "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.
Holly went on to refer to previous This Morning hosts Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, and the mantra she shares with them.
"Richard and Judy said, 'We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'," she continued. "It's been an honour to just be part of its 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."
In the comments on Willoughby's Instagram post, her This Morning co-host Alison Hammond added: "This is a very sad day! Love you."
Willoughby's announcement confirming her departure from This Morning follows news that a 36-year-old man had been charged in relation to an alleged plot to kidnap the TV presenter.
He has been remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing scheduled for Friday, November 3 at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Willoughby had continued presenting This Morning after her former long-serving co-host Phillip Schofield left the programme, and ITV as a whole, earlier this year. At the time of his departure, Schofield confirmed he had an affair with a younger male colleague which he described as "unwise, but not illegal".
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.
"We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make," said Kevin Lygo, who's ITV's managing director of media and entertainment.
"Holly is one of the best-loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.
"Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country's most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously.
"She remains a much-loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."
You Might Also Like
