The Announcement
Holly Willoughby, the beloved presenter of This Morning, has shocked fans by announcing her departure from the hit daytime show. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, she revealed that she is leaving after 14 years. The decision comes after an alleged plot to kidnap her was revealed.
ITV's Response
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of Media and Entertainment at ITV, expressed his sadness at Holly's departure and said that she will be missed enormously. He praised her as one of the best loved and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK, and highlighted her unique brand of warmth, energy, humor, and fun that she brought to This Morning.
The Alleged Plot
Holly's exit follows a traumatic week after details of an alleged plot to kidnap her were revealed. A man named Gavin Plumb appeared in court on charges of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap, with Holly as the alleged target. Plumb was found in possession of weapons and had reportedly contacted a hitman in America to carry out the plan.
Support and Surveillance
In light of the alleged plot, Holly had been under 24-hour surveillance and was likely to be absent from This Morning for the next few weeks. She even pulled out of a red carpet event in London. ITV Daytime managing director, Emma Gormley, sent an email to staff expressing support for Holly during this distressing time.
Despite leaving This Morning, Holly remains a much-loved member of the ITV family and the network looks forward to continuing to work with her in the future.
