Holly Willoughby quits This Morning

Image source, Getty Images

This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, pictured at the 2022 National Television Awards

Holly Willoughby has said she is quitting ITV show This Morning after 14 years "for me and my family".

She had been absent from the daytime programme since last week, when a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged plot to kidnap the TV presenter.

"I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," she wrote on Instagram.

She didn't refer directly to last week's incident in her announcement.

But she added: "It's been an honour to just be part of its 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."

The news also comes five months after the show was engulfed in scandal when her former co-host Phillip Schofield left after admitting lying to bosses about an affair with a younger colleague.

Willoughby also thanked everybody who has worked on the show, writing: "This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together."

She added: "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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