Holly Willoughby's famous pals send emotional messages after This Morning exit

11 October 2023 , 05:44

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Holly Willoughby's famous pals send emotional messages after This Morning exit

Holly Willoughby's famous pals have been rushing to support the presenter after she quit This Morning.

Mum-of-three Holly had been at the helm of the ITV mid-morning programme for almost 15 years alongside her former co-star and ex-best friend, Phillip Schofield. But in recent months, Holly's appearance on the show has sparked a mixed reaction following claims she and Schofield skipped the queue for the late Queen's lying in state.

Now, the 42-year-old has announced her departure from the programme after it emerged an alleged plot to kidnap and murder her had been foiled by the police. Since sharing her news, the likes of Carol Vorderman and Spice Girls star Emma Bunton have been on hand to offer their support.

Holly Willoughby's famous friends have been on hand to show their support (S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton was one of the first to show their support (Dave Benett/Getty Images for War)

Responding to Holly's Instagram announcement, Carol penned: "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." While Emma, a close friend of Holly's messaged her saying: "Lots of love gorgeous girl."

Meanwhile, All Saints star Nicole Appleton who is also a close friend of Willoughby's penned: "I love you sooo much!!" alongside a string of heart emojis. Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid penned: "Sending love to you and your family Holly."

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Meanwhile, TV chef James Martin said: "Big love to you and your family see you soon and the door is always open for lunch or dinner …x." Former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore responded: "You do what's best for you. Look after yourself lovely Holly. You light up any screen you're on xxx."

Singer and model Josh Cuthbert added: "Sending you so so so so so much LOVE Holly!" While This Morning's resident doctor Zoe Williams penned: "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."

Holly joined This Morning in 2009 alongside Phillip Schofield (ITV)

BBC radio broadcaster Gordon Smart added: "As the Stone Roses said, 'Don't be sad it's over, be glad it happened.' Amazing shift, was always a pleasure being in your obit, Holly." Former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue responded: "Thanks for the smiles, laughter, chats and fashion! Enjoy your family time."

Sharing the news of her exit on Instagram in view of her 8.4 million followers, Holly 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 is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.

"Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so 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'. Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. 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."

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."

Daniel Bird