Holly's infamous Gino D'Acampo 'carbonara' This Morning moment as she quits show

10 October 2023 , 16:34

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Holly's infamous Gino D'Acampo 'carbonara' This Morning moment as she quits show

Holly Willoughby has released an emotional statement revealing she is quitting This Morning after 14 years just days after a man appeared in court charged with an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the ITV star.

The mum-of-three released an emotional statement on Instagram revealing her decision to step down from the show. She said: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.

"Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day. Richard and Judy said, 'We only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers.' It's been an honour to just be part of it's story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly."

Gino was less than impressed with the comment (ITV)

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, ITV said: "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. 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. Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme 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."

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In almost a decade and a half Holly has been at the forefront of some of day time TV's most memorable interviews and moments - but there is one that stands out in the mind of the presenter and fans of the show - Holly's Gino D'Acampo carbonara insult. Holly offended the TV chef when she told him his freshly prepared past dish tasted like carbonara in the footage from 2010.

Chef Gino wasn't pleased by her observation, replying: "If my grandmother had wheels, she would have been a bike. It doesn't make sense what you said. It's a different recipe." But his reaction sent Holly and co-host Phillip Schofield - and the millions of fans watching at home - into hysterics in a clip that has been viewed millions of times since it was aired.

Jane Lavender