Holly Willoughby has announced she is leaving ITV’s “This Morning” after 14 years.
“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,” Willoughby said in a statement posted to her Instagram. “Thank you 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.”
Willoughby’s departure comes just days after a man was charged in an alleged plot to kidnap her, though she did not mention the situation in her statement. The presenter has not appeared on “This Morning” since news of the alleged plot broke last week.
“It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go,” she said of “This Morning.” “Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”
According to the BBC, a 36-year-old Essex man has been charged with allegedly “soliciting, encouraging, persuading, endeavouring to persuade or proposing to a third party” to kidnap and murder Willoughby.
At the time, an ITV spokesperson told the BBC, “This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at ‘This Morning’ and ITV. We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time.”
“This Morning” has had a difficult year, with Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield resigning in May after admitting to allegations that he had an affair with a younger employee of the show.
