HOLLY Willoughby has quit her This Morning presenting role after 14 years.
The star, 42, revealed she's left the show in a statement posted to Instagram this evening.
"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," Holly wrote.
It comes just months after her co-star Phillip Schofield quit the show.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
- By Louis Allwood
Intruder broke into ITV studios days before ‘plot to kidnap’ Holly was exposed
Police were alerted after a major ITV security scare involving a young female worker — days before the alleged Holly Willoughby kidnap and murder plot was exposed.
A man was held by guards after he followed the woman into a lift at the This Morning studios in White City, West London, on Thursday, September 28.
She shouted out for help in terror.
The incident happened at 5.50am, ten minutes before Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid was due to go on air at 6am — and close to where Holly was due to arrive for work later.
Lorraine Kelly was also expected soon after.
Security bosses at the site, which is operated by BBC Studioworks, notified police.
- By Louis Allwood
When did Holly try to heal rift with Phillip Schofield?
Holly Willoughby attempted to heal her rift with Phillip Schofield just days after he was axed from This Morning.
The presenter, 42, tried to mend their rift in May when he left This Morning over an affair with a young colleague.
REACHING OUT How Holly Willoughby tried to heal rift with Schofield within days of his axe
- By Louis Allwood
Who is Holly’s husband Dan Baldwin and how did they meet?
Dan Baldwin is a TV producer who has worked on well-known shows like Celebrity Juice and Virtually Famous.
His television career started when he worked as a researcher on the BBC‘s Live & Kicking.
Holly and Dan first met in 2004, when they worked together on kids show Ministry of Mayhem
Dan was a producer on the series, while Holly got her big break when she landed a role fronting the show with Stephen Mulhern.
The couple then wed in 2007 at St Michael’s Church and hosted a reception at Amberley Castle in West Sussex.
- By Louis Allwood
When did Holly join This Morning?
Holly Willoughby has worked in media since early 2000 as a model, TV presenter and author.
She joined the This Morning show in 2009, replacing Fern Britton.
- By Louis Allwood
This Morning had been supporting Holly through this 'distressing time'
In an email sent out to staff, and seen by The Sun, the ITV Daytime managing director said they were supporting Holly as much as they could through the "distressing time".
Boss Emma Gormley said she knew many staff had also been "deeply affected" by the news of the alleged plot.
She said many would be wondering when the host would return, but that at this stage they were focusing on the "safety and wellbeing" of Holly and her family.
Ms Gormley's email read: "I wanted to reassure you that throughout this distressing time, we have been in constant contact with Holly and the authorities and we are providing all the support we can.
"Inevitably there is already speculation about when Holly will return. However, our priority right now is the safety and wellbeing of Holly and her family."
- By Louis Allwood
What has co-presenter Alison Hammond said?
Presenter Alison Hammond was one of the first to break her silence from This Morning after Holly's announcement.
She penned: "This is a very sad day. Love you."
- By Louis Allwood
Fans left gutted following announcement
This Morning fans have been left gutted following Holly's announcement.
One wrote beneath her post: "Holly, I’m so sorry you’ve felt the need to do this. The safety of your family is the most important thing. Thank you for 14 incredible years."
Another shared: "Very sad, but got to do what's best for you and your family. Wishing you all good health always."
- By Louis Allwood
Holly quits show days after foiled kidnap plot
Holly departure comes just days after it was revealed Holly was the victim of a foiled kidnap plot.
Gavin Plumb, 36, of Essex, was accused of contacting a “hitman” in the US and allegedly making a restraint kit as part of a plan to snatch the mum of three.
Holly has been inundated with support after we revealed details of the alleged plot.
She was said to likely to be absent from This Morning for weeks and pulled out of a red carpet event in London this week.
- By Louis Allwood
Holly's statement in full
Taking to Instagram Holly wrote: "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.
"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.
"Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'.
"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. Holly."
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A post shared by Holly Willoughby (@hollywilloughby)
- By Louis Allwood
Holly quits This Morning
Holly Willoughby has quit This Morning after 14 years.
The TV host notified fans via Instagram today that she would not be returning to the show.
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