Holly Willoughby has quit her role on This Morning after the star announced her exit on social media.
The star, who has allegedly been at the centre of a foiled kidnap plot, said that she made the “difficult decision” for herself and her family.
As a result of the news, Holly‘s This Morning pals have rushed to send their love to the star, commenting on her Instagram post.
Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes addressed the news on Wednesday’s edition of This Morning (October 11) as they paid tribute to Holly.
This Morning tribute
Opening the show, Rochelle said: “Of course we want to start by sending our love, best wishes and respect to our Holly.”
Craig continued: “Last night Holly made what we know would have been a heartbreaking decision to leave This Morning after 14 years.”
Rochelle went on: “Holly loved her job here and was really looking forward to the future of the show. But recent events, especially in the last week, have been hard to deal with and she’s, quite rightly, putting her family first.”
Craig added: “On behalf of everyone here, in front and behind the camera, we just loved working with Holly. She made coming to work so much fun. We’re really really sad and we’re really going to miss her.”
Rochelle then said: “She will forever be one of us.”
Moving on with the show, Craig said: “But as Holly Willoughby knows only too well, the show must go on.”
‘She will forever be one of us.’
It’s the end of an era but we want to thank Holly for the last 14 years on This Morning. #ThisMorning pic.twitter.com/WPnCrY1U0i
— This Morning (@thismorning) October 11, 2023
Viewers shared their thoughts on X – with some complaining about the short tribute to Holly. One said: “We love Holly so much that we’ll spend 30 seconds on her!”
Another wrote: “That was the most insincere bye ever! They can’t even show clips from 14 years when there have been lots of highlights. Cringe!”
Someone else added: “Just a 20 second mention, no long VT for ‘loved Holly’.”
However, another wrote: “Emotional start for @thismorning on @ITV with a goodbye for @hollywills.”
“@hollywills I’m gonna miss you,” another tweeted. “Me and my mum loved waking up to you.”
View this post on Instagram
Holly Willoughby quits This Morning
Posting on social media on Tuesday, Holly outlined her decision to leave. She thanked everyone who’d ever worked on the show and said she’d be “forever proud” of her place in the This Morning history books.
She concluded her post: “I will miss you all so much.”
It’s safe to say that This Morning viewers and her co-stars will miss her too.
James Martin wrote: “Big love to you and your family see you soon and the door is always open for lunch or dinner.”
Alison Hammond was among the first to comment. She said: “This is a very sad day! Love you.”
Rochelle Humes said: “This is a sad day. We love you x.”
This Morning chef Joseph Denison Carey said: “I feel so lucky to have been a part of This Morning and I owe it to you. So many lovely memories on that show with you. Thank you. Lots of love.”
Vanessa Feltz then added: “We will miss you so very much my darling.” Dermot O’Leary added: “Nothing but love and respect for you and yours.” Josie Gibson also commented to say: “You’ve made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW.”
Chef Clodagh McKenna said: “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.”
Juliet Sear also said: “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.”
Vet Dr Scott said: “It has been such a delight working with you. Such kindness, humour and genuine interest in others makes you one of the very best in the business. So much love and respect to you and yours.” Dr Zoe Williams added: “Love you Holly. Thank you so much for all that you’ve done to welcome me, and support with nothing but kindness and a load of great laughs over the years.”
Make-up expert Bryony Blake said: “Sending you and your family so much love Holly.”
Dermot O’Leary’s wife Dee, meanwhile, added: “Sending so much love.” John Torode also said: “Big love you H .. it’s been a joy.”
Holly’s sister Kelly also sent her best wishes and support to her sibling. Kelly Willoughby said: “Love you so much.”
Read more: How Holly and Phil healed their rift after friendship was described as ‘broken’
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