TV Star Makes Difficult Decision to Prioritize Family Life

Holly Willoughby Steps Down From This Morning After 14 Years
TV Star Makes Difficult Decision to Prioritize Family Life
Entertainment

Holly Willoughby has announced that she is stepping down from her role as co-host of This Morning after 14 years. The 42-year-old presenter shared the news on social media, describing it as a “difficult goodbye” and revealing that she had made the decision for the sake of her family.

In her post, Willoughby expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the show’s history, stating: “It has been an honour to just be part of its story, and I know this story has many chapters left to go. However, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.”

Willoughby, who has three children—Belle, Harry, and Chester—with her husband Daniel Baldwin, thanked ITV, her colleagues, and the show’s loyal viewers for their ongoing support. Her former This Morning co-hosts were among those expressing their sadness, with Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, and Craig Doyle all sending messages of love and respect.

The announcement comes after a troubling period for Willoughby, as a man was arrested in connection with a plot to kidnap and murder the presenter. Her London home was reportedly under police guard after the arrest. The man, a security officer named Gavin Plumb, was charged with soliciting a murder plot and incitement to kidnap in Essex earlier this month.

Willoughby’s departure follows her longtime co-host Phillip Schofield’s resignation from the show in May after admitting to a relationship with a younger colleague, sparking controversy surrounding the show. This Morning has also faced scrutiny over allegations of fostering a “toxic” work culture, with an external review still underway.

ITV managing director Kevin Lygo expressed regret at Willoughby’s decision, praising her as “one of the best loved, respected, and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK,” and confirmed she would remain part of the ITV family moving forward. The future of her role on Dancing On Ice, which she co-hosted with Schofield, remains uncertain.

The announcement comes after This Morning lost its title as best daytime show at the National Television Awards to The Repair Shop. Despite the challenges, Willoughby’s presence and impact on the show will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.