ITV stars break silence in first This Morning show without Holly Willoughby

Lorraine Kelly 'very sad' over Holly Willoughby's 'difficult decision' to leave This Morning

Lorraine Kelly reached out to This Morning star Holly Willoughby, following the "very sad" news she had left the show as host for good.

The TV host said it was "a shame" her colleague had made the "difficult decision" to leave the show after 14 years, but that she understood her choice.

On Wednesday, Lorraine shared a sweet message for her ITV colleague adding she "loved" the show she was leaving behind. "Holly has quit This Morning after 14 years. I didn't realise it was as long as that. Very sad, understandable in the circumstances but it's just a shame. We obviously wish you all the very best to you and your family. A terribly difficult decision because she loves the show."

Holly Willoughby's 'big regret' over Phillip Schofield saga as she quits This Morning

Holly Willoughby was handed a new contract with a big pay rise as she vowed to keep the ITV production going following a tumultuous past few months amid the fallout with ex-host Phillip Schofield. The affair saw Holly and Phil's close relationship break down, with Holly publicly revealing that she had previously asked Phil about the allegations, which he had denied.

Close allies have said Holly was forced to quit over fears for her family's safety. Last Thursday, Holly pulled out of presenting duties and remained at her London home which was being guarded by police after a man was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

Meanwhile, some friends also say she felt 'terrible' about fallout around Phil's departure. According to MailOnline, sources say the star 'hasn't been the same' since the events that unfolded earlier this year and has 'never got over it.'

She reportedly 'misses' her former co-star, who she presented This Morning with for 14 years, with the source adding: "You wonder if she regrets the fallout – look at everything that has happened as a result. It's really sad."

Read the full story, here.

Phil Schofield 'won't be friends' with Holly Willoughby again as he's 'too sad'

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's friendship breakdown has been under the spotlight over the last year, and despite once being one of TV's most famous double acts, the former best pals no longer have the close bond they once treasured.

The distance between them is said to have caused sadness for both sides, with reports of Holly not being 'the same' since their fallout, while Phil is said to be 'really sad still' about their 17-year long relationship collapsing.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

It was recently revealed that the pair are back in touch after Phil reportedly reached out to his ex co-host when she was thrown into the centre of an alleged kidnap and murder plot. However, a source has said it's 'very, very unlikely' they will ever be friends again.

Read the full story, here.

Richard Madeley says Holly Willoughby 'will be back' after 'bravely' quitting This Morning

Richard Madeley told Good Morning Britain on Wednesday that Holly Willoughby "will be back" on TV after her This Morning exit, while he added she wouldn't likely return to the show she has hosted for 14 years.

The former This Morning host backed Holly's "wise" and "courageous" decision to quit the ITV daytime series, as she announced the news on Tuesday evening.

Richard said that while she wouldn't be returning to This Morning, Holly "would be back" but that she was "taking stock" and putting her family first. Richard said it was "the right thing" for Holly to do.

Read the full story, here.

Ulrika Jonsson takes savage swipe at Holly Willoughby following This Morning exit

Ulrika Jonnson has appeared to hit out at Holly Willoughby in a savage social media swipe in the wake of the 42-year old's decision to quit This Morning with immediate effect after 14 years.

Ulrika later weighed in with her thoughts in a somewhat unorthodox method - posting a cryptic response to a video shared to Instagram by the account, Archbishop of Banterbury. The short clip showed a blonde Wilko employee wandering around an empty store, under the caption: "Holly Willoughby walking round the This Morning studio. End of an era."

Ulrika, 56, responded, quipping: "Or end of an error..."

Read the full story, here.

Piers Morgan spots telltale sign in Holly Willoughby's This Morning exit statement

Piers Morgan reckons the last line of Holly Willoughby's statement in which she announced she was quitting This Morning "said it all".

The mum-of-three, 42, decided to step down from the ITV daytime show on Tuesday, after 14 years at the helm. Holly signed off saying: "I have to make this decision for me and my family", which Piers said he 'completely understood'.

After reading the statement, Piers said: "The last line said it all to me. This is because she has got young kids, she's thinking, 'My God this is not worth it, I've got one of the best jobs in telly, so what. There is some lunatic out there'. This kind of thing can freak people out and I completely understand it, I really do. She's got a lovely family and she's obviously just thought, 'I'm done'".

Read the full story, here.

ITV This Morning fans fume 'She's not dead!' as they slam 'embarrassing' Holly Willoughby tribute

This Morning viewers have slammed the show's tribute to Holly Willoughby as "insincere".

This Morning returned for the first time since her departure on Wednesday morning. Hosts Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes started the episode with a tribute to their former co-star.

However, many viewers weren't impressed with the tribute to the long-running This Morning presenter as it only lasted 47 minutes. Taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - they vented their frustration at the speech.

Read the full story, here.

Holly Willoughby to 'step away from spotlight' but will 'return with a bang'

Leading PR expert, Denise Palmer-Davis of Bourne Media believes that Holly will return to screens with a "bang" when the time is right. Speaking to the Mirror, she said: "It's been an incredibly tough year for Holly and the decision to step down from This Morning is of no real surprise.

"Holly has spent the past 14 years co-hosting The popular morning show which would have involved long hours away from her family and a packed schedule alongside her other ITV commitments.

"The best thing for Holly now is to step away from the spotlight, which has continued to shine brightly on her following Phil Schofield's less-than-ideal departure. She needs to spend time with her family and take a break for the rest of the year from further presenting work."

Read the fully story, here.

Richard Madeley's three-word response after Holly Willoughby quit This Morning

Richard Madeley had three words to say after hearing Holly Willoughby had quit This Morning.

Richard presented This Morning with wife Judy Finnigan for 13 years and spoke to Holly a few days ago live on air during the show's 35th birthday celebrations.

Giving his reaction to the Wylde Moon guru's sudden departure, he said: "I'm not surprised." Claiming Holly is "genuinely a family woman first and a career woman second", he added: "She has been through a great deal recently, much of it in the public eye, and her wish to prioritise and protect her family life must take precedence over what is, in the final analysis, only telly."

Read the full story, here.

Phillip Schofield's desperate last text to Holly and how they've healed rift

Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby's friendship breakdown has been no secret to the public - but it seems they may have made up.

It's been reported that Phil sent his former best friend a desperate last text in order to save their friendship earlier in the year. The pair called time on their friendship after presenting This Morning together when Phillip left ITV due to having an affair with a younger male colleague.

Since then Holly has presented the show without him, until she stepped down herself on Tuesday evening. At time of his departure, the 61-year-old said that he messaged Holly but had received no reply at the time.

Despite Holly not replying to that message, it seems the pair have patched up their relationship now.

Read the full story, here.

Vanessa Feltz breaks down in tears on This Morning over Holly Willoughby's sudden exit

Vanessa Feltz broke down in tears over Holly Willoughby's sudden announcement that she had quit This Morning.

The 61-year-old appeared on the ITV show as a guest as she spoke about her friend Holly's departure as she hailed her as "loveable" and "golden-hearted".

She also referred to the alleged plot to kidnap and murder her, describing it as "unthinkable" and said that it was "understandable" that she had stepped down as "family is everything" to her.

Read the full story, here.

This Morning take just 47 seconds to explain Holly Willoughby exit 'over family'

This Morning paid an emotional tribute to Holly Willoughby on Wednesday with a change to the show titles, after the news she had quit the ITV show after 14 years as its host.

In the first episode of the ITV daytime series, which aired on Wednesday, since the news was announced, Holly's co-stars Rochelle Humes and Craig Doyle sent their "loves and best wishes" to their colleague, saying they were "proud" of her. The show also said it was "family first" as they backed her decision.

Holly revealed on Tuesday evening that she had quit the ITV show after stepping back from the daytime series last week, when the police uncovered a 'kidnap' and 'murder' plot against her. In a statement shared on Instagram, Holly wrote: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.

Read the full story, here.

This Morning stars break silence in first show without Holly Willoughby

ITV viewers tuned in to This Morning on Wednesday to the very first show without Holly Willoughby following her shock resignation.

Filling in for Holly today were Rochelle Humes and Craig Doyle who started off the show with a tribute to their former co-host, admitting that they were 'heartbroken' to hear that she won't be back on the show after a difficult week.

After a 47-second tribute to Holly, who has been on the show for 14-years alongside her former co-host, Phillip Schofield - who also resigned this year - Craig Doyle insisted that 'the show must go on' without Holly.

Susanna Reid says Holly Willoughby made 'right decision' to leave This Morning

Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid shared a heartfelt message to This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby following the news she had quit the ITV show after 14 years.

On Wednesday morning, Susanna wanted to open the latest episode of GMB by sharing a message to "loved" ITV colleague Holly. She and co-host Ed Balls praised her decision to step back from the show for her family.

Susanna told Ed she would "miss" seeing Holly around the building, as Ed said she was "a big loss" to the show.

Read the full story, here.

Holly Willoughby quit This Morning as 'it had all got too much' after alleged kidnap plot

Holly Willoughby quit This Morning over the alleged plot to kidnap and murder her with the star telling ITV that this was the reason why she was walking away from the ITV show after 14 years.

The 42-year-old said she made “this decision for me and my family” which comes after a 36-year-old man was remanded in custody last week charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her. But she was more explicit in her reasons for stepping down to ITV, saying that she couldn't carry on in the wake of last week's news.

A TV source said: "It has all got too much. It's all very sad and everyone at ITV supports her decision, which is clearly a very personal one."

On Tuesday, a pal said: “She is in a bad way and some things aren’t worth it no matter how much she adored This Morning. It’s a terrible, terrible state of affairs that one of our best presenters felt she had no choice. It’s a damning indictment of Britain today.”

Read the full story, here.

Holly Willoughby 'happy to stay' on This Morning when Phillip Schofield left in May

When Phillip Schofield quit This Morning back in May, the very last thing on the cards was Holly Willoughby disappearing as well.

Insiders at ITV were keen to keep her and she was happy to stay. Her rolling deal rolled on, with one source quipping that they could have slashed her fee and she’d have stayed, because it’s a job that she loves, and it’s what she’s known for.

Her other commercial work - like being a brand ambassador for M&S - is pegged to her role on This Morning. But there is no denying that the last year has has been tough. Her first taste of the dark side was Queuegate, when she and Schofield got flak for looking like they were pushing in to see the Queen lying in state. It may have been unfair, but they lost that PR battle.

And then there was Schofield’s shocking demise, after he lied and lied about having had an affair with a far younger colleague. Before he quit, his sofa chemistry with Holly had imploded. She was upset that she was being dragged into the row over his behaviour with the runner and also upset about not being kept fully in the loop over his paedophile brother, jailed for 12 years in May for child sex offences.

Read the full story, here.

Holly's This Morning replacement

There's a big favourite to replace Holly Willoughby on This Morning in what appears to be a two-horse race.

Alison Hammond is evens to take her job, with Josie Gibson the second favourite at 2/1. Rochelle Humes is a rank outsider at 10/1 while Lisa Snowden is a 16/1 bet. Amanda Holden - who used to guest-host the show - 25/1 - with Ruth Langsford on offer at 33/1.

Get the latest here.

Holly's furious pals say she was 'forced out'

Pals of Holly have claimed she was forced to leave This Morning after the horror of an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.

One pal told how there was anger Holly had to give up a job she loved because she feared for her safety. A man has been charged over the plot. The friend said: “She is in a bad way but some things aren’t worth it no matter how much she adored This Morning. It’s terrible that one of our best presenters felt she had no choice.”

Read more here.

Emma Bunton offers message of support to close friend

Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton has been on hand to support Holly Willoughby.

The singer said: "Lots of love gorgeous girl," while their friend Nicole Appleton responded to Holly's statement by adding: "I love you sooo much!!" alongside a string of heart emojis." Elsewhere, Carol Vorderman voiced her support as she commented: "Wishing you and your family peace and strength in what must be a very difficult time after the news of last week Holly x from my time on TM, I know that the team will miss you very much. Take care."

Read the full story here.

Dermot O'Leary, Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson speak out

Sharing their support on Holly's statement, Holly's co-hosts praised the presenter. Dermot O'Leary commented: "Nothing but love and respect for you and yours."

Josie Gibson added: "You've made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW." Craig Doyle remarked: "We are so supportive of you and we love you to bits, we just wish it didn’t end this way. Its a sad day for everyone."

Why Holly was unable to say final on-screen goodbye

Holly was forced to miss last Thursday's This Morning at the eleventh hour after police uncovered a 'kidnap' plot. Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond failed to address her absence on Thursday, but Alison and Dermot O'Leary subsequently sent their support to Holly on Friday's show.

In a statement announcing her exit, Holly revealed she felt she needed to "make this decision for me and my family" and confirmed she had quit the show with immediate effect. She admitted she would "miss" viewers "so much", but will not get the chance to host one final time to say her goodbyes on air.

Holly 'devastated' by events of last week

By Tom Bryant, Head of Showbiz

There was fury among some of her allies that a “intelligent, brilliant woman who is a consummate professional had been forced to give up a job she loved because of things out of her control.”

They said that the events of the last week had left her fearing for her safety and she was “devastated” by the fallout.

The pal said: “She is in a bad way and some things aren’t worth it no matter how much she adored This Morning. It’s a terrible, terrible state of affairs that one of our best presenters felt she had no choice. It’s a damning indictment of Britain today.”

Sky News slammed as Holly's exit announced live from Jerusalem

Sky News presenter Mark Austin announced the departure of Holly from This Morning on a rooftop in Jerusalem. During his coverage of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict the presenter suddenly relayed the news of Holly's exit from the ITV show with the sacred holy city in the background.

Social media users were left stunned by the decision to break away from the coverage moments after detailing the atrocities as the death toll in Israel reached more than 1,000 following the massacre in the Middle East.

One sarcastically wrote: “Breaking news for you on Sky News tonight, we go to John live in a war-torn Jerusalem” 'Yes, ground breaking news coming in guys.. Holly Willoughby calls it a day from a British day-time TV show," as another wrote: "This has to be satire."

Holly quit This Morning as 'it all got too much' after 'kidnap' plot

The star told ITV that this was the reason why she was walking away from the ITV show after 14 years.

The 42-year-old said she made “this decision for me and my family” which comes after a 36-year-old man was remanded in custody last week charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her. But she was more explicit in her reasons for stepping down to ITV, saying that she couldn't carry on in the wake of last week's news.

A TV source said: "It has all got too much. It's all very sad and everyone at ITV supports her decision, which is clearly a very personal one."

Carol Vorderman and TV chef James Martin share support

Carol Vorderman, who appears on This Morning regularly, praised the presenter as she commented on Holly's post. She said: "Wishing you and your family peace and strength in what must be a very difficult time after the news of last week Holly x from my time on TM, I know that the team will miss you very much. Take care."

TV chef James Martin, who has cooked for Holly on This Morning on various occassions added: "Big love to you and your family see you soon and the door is always open for lunch or dinner …x."

Holly quit because This Morning 'wasn't the same' after Phillip exit

Insiders have claimed Holly decided it was time to quit This Morning because the show "wasn't the same" after her former co-host Phillip Schofield left, but was "tipped over the edge" by the "kidnap" plot, it's been reported.

Insiders told MailOnline Holly has been considering stepping down from her beloved ITV show since the departure of her former co-host.

Holly's nightmare year filled with scandal

Last September, she and former co-host Phillip Schofield were accused of skipping the queue to pay their final respects to the late Queen. They later issued a statement stating they had been there as an accredited broadcaster for a filmed segment. In a pre-recorded explanation aired on This Morning, Holly said: "Please know that we would never jump a queue."

In May, Phillip resigned from This Morning and ITV after admitting he had an affair with a younger former colleague and lied about it. Holly later told viewers she had been left feeling "shaken and let down" but viewers mocked the star when she opened her first show after the scandal broke by asking to camera: "Are you okay?"

ITV subsequently launched a review into This Morning over claims of a "toxic culture" and last month Holly failed to win a National Television Award for the first time in 12 years.

Holly's sister, Kelly sends her support

Holly's rarely-seen sister, who has worked with the This Morning star on various projects, shared her support on the presenter's Instagram post.

She commented: "Love you so much," alongside a number of red hearts.

Kelly is currently the managing director of Holly's wellness brand Wylde Moon, which the This Morning star launched back in September 2021 as a lifestyle platform. The pair are also authors of the Children's book series School for Stars.

This Morning stars send support to Holly

This Morning guests and regular contributors rushed to share their support to Holly. Alison Hammond added: "This is a very sad day! Love you," while This Morning guest presenter Rochelle Humes said: "This is a sad day We love you x."

Vanessa Feltz commented: "We will miss you so very much my darling." And guest chef Juliet Sear wrote: "So sad to see you go Holly wishing you loads of positive things for your new chapter xxx it’s been wonderful working with you for the last 8 years and making your birthday cakes to for the last 14 lots of love to you and you family xxx."

This Morning chef Donal Skehan said: "Always the most lovely host each and every time I was on with you- thank you for being so sweet over the years and onwards and upwards! Sending lots of love D xx."

Fans react to Holly Willoughby's shock announcement

As Holly shared the statement to announce her decision to quit This Morning, fans were quick to react with sadness in the comments section.

One wrote: "Holly you truly have been through so so much this year. You’ve handled everything thrown at you. This is your time now, for you and your babies. Anything to keep all of you safe. It just will not ever be the same. You have been a comfort to me every morning. You’ve grown so much and have always handled things with such grace and maturity. Be safe, love always ".

Another added: "I'm so sad to read this but only you know what is best for you and your family. Your safety and happiness are the most important thing I will miss seeing you on my screen every morning sending you so much love and strength beautiful xxx".

"Honestly @hollywilloughby Im absolutely gutted. You are the only reason i watch the show. You were absolutely an Angel during Covid & kept so many people going. After all youve been through i understand your decision but am so gutted," a third penned.

And a fourth wrote: "Will miss you lovely lady xxxxx".