Holly Willoughby and ITV’s statements in full – and what her This Morning colleagues said | Ents & Arts News

Holly Willoughby has announced she will not be returning as a presenter of This Morning after 14 years.

Read her full statement below:

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. 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

Read more:
Holly Willoughby quits This Morning ‘for me and my family’
Man charged over alleged plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby
Phillip Schofield leaves This Morning after more than 20 years

Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, later said the broadcaster is looking forward to “continuing to work with her in future”.

Read his full remarks below:

We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make.

Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK.

She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.

Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously.

She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

This Morning hosts paid tribute to Willoughby by commenting below her Instagram post.

Alison Hammond wrote:

This is a very sad day ! Love you.

Dermot O’Leary wrote:

Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X

Rochelle Humes, who often guest hosts the show, wrote:

This is a sad day. We love you x.

Clodagh McKenna, who has appeared as a chef on the show, wrote:

Your star will continue to shine everywhere you go. You have given us all so much love and light, in front and behind the cameras, I am so grateful for everything you have given me… I love you so much darling beautiful Holly, the sunshine of our days.

Alice Beer, the show’s consumer editor, wrote:

Sending you love and light.

The This Morning team were joined by other celebrities in wishing Willoughby well.

Kate Thornton, a former stand-in presenter on This Morning, wrote:

Sending you all my love.

Pop duo Jedward wrote:

U will be missed! It won’t be the same without you!