The editor of This Morning learned Holly Willoughby had quit the show just 20 minutes before she announced her exit on Instagram.
Martin Frizell was caught off guard by his star presenter’s shocking announcement – leaving some of the ITV show’s staff in tears.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Holly approached ITV’s head of daytime production Emma Gormley, both about Essex security guard Gavin Plumb’s alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, and about her future on the show.
In fact, despite Frizell pinning his flag to Holly’s mast during her argument with Phillip Schofield – a long-time friend of his – the TV veteran only found out she was leaving the show 20 minutes before Holly’s 8.5 million Instagram followers did.
Former GMTV editor Frizell received an unexpected call just before 5pm on Tuesday telling him that his greatest asset was resignation.
Shock: This Morning editor learned Holly Willoughby had quit the show just 20 minutes before she announced her exit on Instagram
Surprise: Martin Frizell (left) was caught off guard by his star presenter’s shocking announcement – which left some of the ITV show’s staff in tears (pictured with Holly and Phillip Schofield).
He also learned that she had prepared an emotional statement revealing that she was leaving the show for the sake of herself and her family following the highly publicized alleged kidnapping plot.
Her words, put together without the help of her former “rock” Frizell, were: “This is such a hard goodbye, you are incredible and I will forever be proud of what we have accomplished together.” Thank you everyone at ITV for their support.
“Many thanks to every guest who sat on our sofa.” Above all, many thanks to the wonderful spectators. They were so loyal every day, so supportive and the very best company.
“It was an honor to be a part of this story and I know this story has many more chapters to go.” Unfortunately, I now feel like I have to make this decision for myself and my family. I will miss you all so much.’
Frizell – normally unflappable, according to his colleagues – was stunned. He had been assured that Holly would remain on This Morning for the foreseeable future.
In fact, she had just signed a new contract that increased her annual salary from £700,000 to around £1 million.
For Frizell, parting ways with Holly, TV’s former Golden Girl, was perhaps the worst possible option.
But all his devoted attentions seemed to count for nothing. “Despite Martin’s loyalty to Holly, he wasn’t in her inner sanctum when it really mattered,” says a source familiar with the situation. “He was on her side through the difficulties with Phil and besides it’s his show, but instead Holly has had to deal with Emma.”
Resignation: The presenter confirmed on Instagram that she “will not be returning to the show.”
End of an era: Former GMTV editor Frizell received an unexpected call just before 5pm on Tuesday telling him that his greatest asset was resignation
“Martin always spoke so highly of Holly. He adored her and was fiercely loyal.
“It’s ITV’s talk that he was told so late.” It doesn’t exactly seem overly respectful. What a way to treat an editor.’
Meanwhile, Holly’s announcement also caused tears behind the scenes of the show.
However, the reason for the surprise wasn’t that Holly had left, but the fact that it was the latest drama on the set of the daytime show.
“It came one thing after another,” a source said. “It’s like a soap opera and that’s fine if you’re one of the highly paid stars being chauffeured to and from work, but when you’re working behind the scenes to keep things running it’s incredibly frustrating.”
“Holly decides to leave, she posts it on Instagram.” Imagine how that makes you feel. There were tears. The team has been through so much over the last year. Many have the feeling that they are at the end of their tether. It was heartbreaking and difficult to watch it all happen.”
The word “all” refers to the seemingly endless controversies that have gripped This Morning over the last year or so: Last year, Holly and her former co-star Phillip Schofield were accused of jumping the queue to get the Hall then argued about how to respond to the accusation.
Phillip then admitted he had an affair with a much younger male runner who worked on the show – and lied about it.
Deal: Holly had just signed a new contract which increased her annual salary from £700,000 to around £1million
Staff also had to withstand pressure to be questioned by outside counsel Jane Mulcahy KC about the program’s alleged toxic work culture.
BBC bosses are reported to be targeting Holly to lure her to the broadcaster while her future at ITV remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, This Morning bosses are now said to be looking for the “new Phil and Holly” to take over the flagship morning program in the new year and are hoping for a “complete overhaul” following a string of the show’s current hits.
Other familiar faces from This Morning, including Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson, are expected to continue in their roles and work alongside the new talent.
Among the names being touted is ITV star Ben Shephard, who admitted he is “part of the furniture” on the show but was unsure what next year will bring.
He told The Mirror: “What I can tell you is that I will do more – I will do more, but I’m just really helping.” So I still have a few days to go until Christmas.
“So I’m not entirely sure, but I’m still a very, very large part of the furniture…”
Despite his obvious insecurities, bosses are reportedly hoping to test Shephard alongside some “exciting” female presenters.
In the running: Among the names touted to host This Morning is ITV star Ben Shephard, who admitted he is “part of the furniture” of the show but was unsure what next year would bring becomes
Ben previously worked as a replacement presenter for Phillip on This Morning between 2005 and 2011.
A source told the Chron: “Ben has done really well and bosses have been delighted with his partnership with Holly and there has been great feedback from many quarters.”
“Ben is known at ITV for being very popular with viewers of all the shows he presents.” He also enjoys the trust of the public and is very popular at ITV. He has hosted so many shows for the channel.
“He and Holly also have years of age – he presented This Morning a few years ago and they have a great relationship.”
As well as new presenters, the show’s set will be revamped from 2024, reports The Sun.
ITV bosses hope the new set and replacement presenters will revive the success of what has long been Britain’s most popular morning show and protect jobs.