- Holly Willoughby is a British TV personality
- Her life was recently threatened
- THIS is what she had to say
British TV host Holly Willoughby has quit 'This Morning' after a man was arrested for alleged plans to kidnap and murder her. She was the major piece of the show, and now she's gone. "I've let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to 'This Morning,'" Willoughby, 42, announced on Instagram Tuesday. "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."
The TV host went on to thank her co-workers for "being supportive," the guests who appeared on the show and their "wonderful viewers" for being "the very best company every day."
Holly is still traumatized
Although she made no mention of the alleged plot against her, many believe that was the reason. A British man was charged last week with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap, according to 'The Guardian'. She had been off air since Thursday while the investigation unfolded. ITV’s Managing Director said in a statement that the network is sad to see Willoughby go. After all, she was a real staple of the show and a real fan favorite.
"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," he said. "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," they said.
"Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humor and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the program 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," they concluded.
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Who knew?
The truth...
As 'People' reported, Gavin Plumb, a 36-year-old man from Essex, was arrested on Oct. 4 for allegedly planning to kidnap and murder Willoughby, according to Sky News and BBC.
Plumb appeared at a hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday where he was accused of "soliciting, encouraging, persuading, endeavoring to persuade or proposing to a third party" to murder Willoughby some time between Tuesday and Wednesday, per the BBC. The suspect was allegedly "assembling a kidnap and restraint kit, capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of the kidnap" of Willoughby to hold her for the third party.
The third party was expected to arrive in the U.K. from the U.S. this week.
Co-host Alison Hammond added: "We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family." It's unclear where her future lies now, but fans will certainly miss Holly's antics. 'This Morning' has had a very difficult year.
Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield left the show earlier this year after he admitted to having a relationship with a younger male former colleague. Who knows where the show will go now?
