Holly Willoughby’s This Morning colleagues have rallied behind her as she announced she has quit the ITV show with immediate effect.
The 42-year-old TV star confirmed on Instagram on Tuesday that she “will not be returning to the show”, just days after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was foiled.
She said it was “an honor just to be a part of this story” but she felt like she “had to make this decision for myself and my family.”
Holly’s Instagram post was flooded with supportive comments from her This Morning co-stars.
Alison Hammond, who has co-hosted with Holly since Phillip Schofield’s resignation earlier this year, said: “This is a very sad day” but reiterated she loved the presenter.
‘Sad day’: Holly Willoughby’s This Morning colleagues have rallied behind her as she announced she has left the ITV show with immediate effect
Another presenter on the show, Rochelle Humes, wrote: “It’s a sad day ❤️ We love you x”
Regular contributor Vanessa Feltz added: “We will miss you so much, my darling.”
Juliet Sear, TV chef and baking expert, revealed she was “sad” to see Holly go but also wished her “lots of positivity” for her “new chapter”.
“It has been wonderful working with you for the past eight years and baking your birthday cakes for the past 14 years,” Ms. Sear wrote. “Much love to you and your family.”
Clodagh Mckenna, another chef on the show, wrote: “Your star will continue to shine wherever you go ⭐️ You have given us all so much love and light, in front of and behind the cameras ♥️ I am so grateful for everything you have given me … I love you so much, dear, beautiful Holly, the sunshine of our days ♥️♥️’
Carol Vorderman wrote: “Wishing you and your family peace and strength in what will certainly be a very difficult time following last week’s news, Holly x. I know the team will miss you very much. ‘Take care.’
Holly admitted that it was “such a hard goodbye” and thanked the network for its “support.”
She also thanked the “wonderful viewers” who she said had been “loyal, so supportive and great company” over the years.
Her exit from the show came after a former Pizza Hut was remanded in custody last week over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Holly.
News: The 42-year-old TV star confirmed on Instagram on Tuesday that she “will not be returning to the show”, just days after an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was foiled
Shocking announcement: Holly’s Instagram post was flooded with supportive comments from her This Morning co-stars
News: Alison Hammond, who has been presenting alongside Holly since Phillip Schofield’s resignation earlier this year, said: “This is a very sad day.”
Friend: Another host of the show, Rochelle Humes, wrote: “It’s a sad day ❤️ We love you x”
Tribute: One of the show’s chefs, Clodagh Mckenna, wrote: “Your star will continue to shine wherever you go.”
Friends: Holly’s friends and colleagues flooded her comments with words of support
Gavin Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, is accused of offenses including incitement to murder and incitement to kidnap in connection with the broadcaster, allegedly contacting a hitman in the US and booking flights for him.
The TV presenter withdrew from hosting This Morning on Thursday and her London home was reportedly guarded by police after Plumb was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
Holly’s full statement today said: “I let ITV know today that I will not be returning to This Morning after 14 years.”
“Thank you to everyone who has worked on the show over the years.” It’s so hard for me to say 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, thank you to the wonderful viewers. They were so loyal every day, so supportive and the very best company.
“Richard and Judy 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.
Friends: Regular contributor Vanessa Feltz, who was pictured on the show with Holly and co-host Dermot O’Leary last month, added: “We will miss you so much, my darling.”
Family: The star’s sister Kelly sent her sister a message of her own telling her she loved her
“I’m going to miss you all so much.”
An ITV boss said the broadcaster was looking forward to working with Holly “in the future” after it was announced she was quitting this morning.
In a statement, Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director of media and entertainment, told Web: “We are sad to see Holly leave This Morning but respect her decision, which we know will have been extremely difficult for her.”
“Holly is one of the UK’s most popular, respected and successful broadcasters. “She has been at the heart of This Morning for 14 years and is adored by our viewers.”