Holly Willoughby to quit This Morning 'for me and my family'

Holly Willoughby has announced she is quitting ITV’s This Morning after 14 years.

The TV presenter said it was a “difficult goodbye” but that she was making the decision “for me and my family”.

Willoughby, 42, had been absent from the show since last week, when a 36-year-old man was charged with soliciting a man to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Willoughby did not reference last week’s incident. “I have let ITV know today that, after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning,” she said.

“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.”

The TV star also thanked ITV and the show’s viewers, saying: “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.”

Her fellow This Morning presenter Alison Hammond commented on the post, writing: “This is a very sad day! Love you.”

The Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker added: “Wishing you all the best Holly.”

Kevin Lygo, the managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, said the broadcaster was looking forward to working with Willoughby in the future.

In a statement, he added: “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.

“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.”

On Friday, Gavin Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, appeared in the dock at Chelmsford magistrates court over the alleged plot to kidnap and murder her. Plumb is charged with soliciting a man to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap between 2 October and 5 October in Harlow, Essex.

Willoughby joined the show in 2009 and presented alongside Phillip Schofield until he quit in May this year after he admitted to having a relationship with a younger male former colleague.

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