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Insiders have shared the ‘real reason’ Holly Willoughby quit This Morning, saying she had really ‘loved’ being on the show.
Yesterday (10 October), Holly, 42, delivered the bombshell that she was leaving the programme after 14 years on the sofa.
She explained in a statement posted on social media: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
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"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.
"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.
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"Richard and Judy said 'We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'."
The presenter went on: "It's been an honour to just be part of it's 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. Holly."
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The announcement came after it was revealed that Holly was set to go on 'indefinite leave' from This Morning after learning about an alleged plot to kidnap her.
The mum-of-three is said to be 'distraught' by the sinister plot and has since been put under surveillance by police to keep her and her family safe.
Insiders close to the star have said the recent incident impacted her decision to leave, but claim it wasn’t the sole reason.
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A source told The Sun: “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.
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“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 claimed her supposed fallout with former co-host Phillip Schofield also played a major part, adding: “This was an incredibly hard decision for Holly but, in all honesty, she hasn’t been truly happy at work since the fallout with Phil. Seeing him hung out to dry has been hard and took its toll.
“Fourteen years in any workplace is a long stretch, and she has been considering other opportunities over the summer. The time to leave feels right - albeit under the darkest of circumstances.”
The Sun said an ITV source also said alarm bells are ‘ringing’ at This Morning HQ.
“Holly’s departure is a massive loss and the external review has still not yet seen the light of day,” they said.
“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.”
Topics: Celebrity, Holly Willoughby, ITV, This Morning, TV And Film
Jess Hardiman