After taking time off following a disturbing kidnapping threat, Holly Willoughby has decided to step down from her role as host of This Morning after 14 years.
Holly, 42, released a statement on Instagram saying she was stepping down from her role and has to 'make this decision for me and my family'. She had her husband Dan Baldwin share three kids together – Harry, 13, Belle, 11 and Chester, eight.
Last week, Gavin Plumb, 36, was arrested and charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to kidnap and murder the presenter and broadcaster. While he is currently in custody and awaiting a hearing next month, Holly has reportedly been granted 24-hour protection from both ITV and the police.
Holly Willoughby reportedly found out about the plot shortly before going live on This Morning and was swiftly replaced by her colleagues Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson.
Having being absent from the show since Thursday in light of the disturbing recent events, Holly issued a statement in full on Instagram. She wrote, 'I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.'
Why has Holly Willoughby left This Morning?
In her Instagram statement, Holly explained why she has decided to step down from the show. She added: '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. Richard and Judy said "we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers".
'It's been an honour just to 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 has had a difficult year on the show following queue-gate when she and Philip Schofield were accused of skipping the queue to see the late Queen lying-in-state, Philip's shock departure from the show after it was revealed he'd had an affair with a much younger colleague, and the shocking kidnapping plot that was revealed last week.
It is therefore in the best interests of Holly and her family to step down from her role. The day after Holly's announcement, This Morning aired a special tribute in Holly's honour during the opening credits.
Has Holly Willoughby also quit Dancing on Ice?
Following Holly's announcement that she has quit This Morning, fans are keen to know if the presenter will go on to present Dancing on Ice which is set to air in January 2024.
While her shock decision to leave This Morning could now change things, the presenter most recently indicated she would still be hosting the ice skating show after saying she 'couldn't wait' to see boxer Ricky Hatton on the show after he was announced as a contestant.
It is also unclear if anyone has been lined up to replace Phillip Schofield – who hosted the show from 2006-2023. It has been rumoured that ITV favourite Stephen Mulhern may be in line to host, but whether it will be alongside Holly now remains to be seen.
How much did Holly Willoughby earn on This Morning?
Until now, Holly Willoughby was one of the highest earning presenters on UK television. Her ITV This Morning salary was thought to be £700k before Philip's departure, when it was raised by £300k to £1m. Holly's overall net worth is reportedly around £10m.
What is Dan Baldwin’s net worth?
Her husband Dan Baldwin is a TV producer who has worked on a number of hit television shows including Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Bradley Walsh & Son: Breaking Dad and Virtually Famous. He is also the producer behind the hit game show The Wheel and has worked on Celebrity Juice.
Dan Baldwin's net worth is reportedly between £2.5-3m.
Who will take over from Holly Willoughby on This Morning?
While there are several rotating hosts on This Morning, including Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Josie Gibson and Craig Doyle, people are placing bets on who will replace Holly long-term.
Former Big Brother contestant Josie Gibson, 38, has been tipped by bookmakers by odds of 2/1 to replace Holly. Rochelle Humes has also been tipped as a potential replacement, with bookies' odds at 10/1, while Lisa Snowdon has odds of 16/1.
Has Philip Schofield responded to the news that Holly Willoughby is leaving this morning?
Philip Schofield has kept out of the public eye since his departure from the show in May. Shortly after his resignation, he gave an interview Amol Rajan at the BBC, but he has not posted on social media or appeared on TV since.
He has therefore not publicly responded to the news that his former colleague Holly has also left the show. However, following the news of the murder plot against Holly, a source told the Daily Mirror that Philip had reached out.
The source said, 'Phil was absolutely horrified to hear she had been allegedly targeted in such a sickening way and decided to reach out to her, in spite of their lack of contact.
'He wanted her to know he was thinking of her and her family. They’ve so much history, and this is something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.'