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Published October 11, 2023, 3:16 am ET
Popular British morning news anchor Holly Willoughby quit her long-standing television role just days after a madman was arrested for allegedly plotting to kidnap and murder her.
Willoughby, who co-hosted ITV’s This Morning for 14 years, announced on Tuesday that she would not be returning to the show after making a “difficult decision” in the interests of her husband and three children.
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you,” Willoughby said in a statement. “This is such a hard goodbye, you are incredible and I will forever be proud of what we have accomplished together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for your support. Thank you 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.
“Richard (Madeley) and Judy (Finnigan) said, ‘We just care about this show, it will always belong to the viewers.’ It was an honor to be a part of this story and I know this story still has many 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.”
Willoughby was no longer on television, having been promptly removed shortly before broadcast last Thursday when the Metropolitan Police arrested 36-year-old Gavin Plumb in connection with the horrific plot.
Plumb, a mall security guard, was accused of inciting a man to commit murder and a kidnapping.
According to The Guardian, Plumb is said to have conspired with another man named David Nelson from the US to commit the murder.
Holly Willoughby said she is stepping down from her role as presenter of This Morning after 14 years on the show. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The plot was foiled a week before Nelson was scheduled to arrive in the UK, the outlet added.
Willoughby was placed under police protection last Friday as the motive for the alleged kidnapping and assassination attempt is unclear.
According to The Sun, police found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and rope when they searched Plumb’s Essex home.
Holly Willoughby’s announcement of her departure follows news of her alleged kidnapping plot. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Holly Willoughby has been praised by ITV, a commercial broadcaster, saying they look forward to working with her again.
Kevin Lygo, ITV managing director of media and entertainment, hinted that Willoughby would remain involved with the network.
“Holly brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humor and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows and she will be greatly missed by everyone on the program,” Lygo said in a statement to Sky News. “She remains a much-loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to working with her in the future.
Plumb, meanwhile, is next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court, 40 miles outside London, on November 3.
With post wires
https://nypost.com/2023/10/11/british-tv-personality-holly-willoughby-quits-daytime-show-days-after-alleged-kidnap-plot/?utm_source=url_sitebuttons&utm_medium=site%20buttons&utm_campaign=site %20Buttons
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