Holly Willoughby made decision on This Morning exit ‘WEEKS ago after long chat with family’
HOLLY Willoughby made the decision to quit This Morning "weeks ago following a long chat with her family".
The ITV presenter, 42, is understood to have been privately considering her future on the show following a year from hell.
She confirmed her 14-year stint was coming to an end in an Instagram post yesterday evening.
Her announcement came just days after she was taken off air by ITV when Gavin Plumb's alleged plot to kidnap and kill her was uncovered by cops.
Holly's statement said: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
"To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so, so much.
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"This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together. I will not be returning to This Morning.
"Thank you to 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."
Holly also said it had been an "honour" to be part of the show, adding that it has "many chapters left to go".
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She is understood to have been in constant contact with ITV after being taken off air when an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her was uncovered last week.
In recent months Holly has also dealt with the end of her friendship with former co-presenter Phillip Schofield after admitting he lied about an affair with a younger employee.
She and Schofield also faced criticism over "Queuegate" in September last year, when the pair were accused of jumping the queue to see the late Queen lying in state at London's Westminster Abbey.
But those close to her said the decision to quit the show was incredibly difficult.
A source said: “There have been a lot of tears over the past few days. Holly spoke with her children and then with her husband Dan and her parents at length.
“She absolutely loves This Morning and has devoted herself to the show. But recent events have changed everything and Holly has to put her family first.
“Holly personally told This Morning boss Martin Frizell and ITV Daytime’s managing director Emma Gormley. Both conversations were very emotional.
“They obviously wanted her to stay, but said they would completely support her decision.
“ITV have been looking after Holly and have provided a support package to her as well as the offer of counselling if she needs it.”
They also pointed to the breakdown of Holly's relationship with Phillip as a contributing factor to the decision.
It also comes amid speculation over the findings of the external investigation into the long-running series.
The probe was ordered by ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall after Phil’s departure earlier this year.
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An ITV source added: “Alarm bells are ringing at This Morning. Holly’s departure is a massive loss and the external review has still not yet seen the light of day. It is raising questions internally about how damaging the findings could be and the impact it could have.
“Some think it is time for an overhaul, starting right at the top.”
