Susanna Reid says Holly made 'right decision' to leave This Morning in tribute
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid shared a heartfelt message to This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby following the news she had quit the ITV show after 14 years.
On Wednesday morning, Susanna wanted to open the latest episode of GMB by sharing a message to "loved" ITV colleague Holly. She and co-host Ed Balls praised her decision to step back from the show for her family. Susanna told Ed she would "miss" seeing Holly around the building, as Ed said she was "a big loss" to the show.
Holly announced on Tuesday evening that she had quit the ITV show after stepping back from the daytime series last week, when the police uncovered a 'kidnap' and 'murder' plot against her. Speaking about her statement on Wednesday, Susanna said it would have been "difficult" for Holly to come to the decision, but that it was "right for her".
She told Ed and viewers: "I just want to open the show by sending all of our very best wishes to Holly Willoughby who has made what is clearly the difficult decision to step down from This Morning on ITV daytime after 14 years at the programme. She’s clearly made the right decision for her and her family as she says a very difficult goodbye, but family first.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid shared a heartfelt message to This Morning host Holly Willoughby (ITV)"Our very, very best wishes to Holly, a loved colleague. I'll miss seeing her walking past as she goes to work." Ed then added: "She’s had such a tough year but you feel confident she will be back on television soon. We don't know when but she's a total star and it’ll be a big loss."
Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries
Holly announced her departure from the show in a statement shared on her Instagram page. It read: "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." Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, Media and Entertainment, ITV said of Holly's departure: "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.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid reached out to This Morning host Holly Willoughby"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."
Holly’s co-host Alison Hammond was among the first to react to Holly’s post – hinting she was devastated to see her co-star exit. She wrote in response to Holly’s post: "This is a very sad day ! Love you." New This Morning presenter Craig Doyle also took a moment to wish Holly well in the future. In an emotional comment, he wrote: "We are so supportive of you and we love you to bits, we just wish it didn’t end this way. Its a sad day for everyone."
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
