Holly Willoughby has told ITV she will not return to This Morning
In a social media post the presenter said it had been an “honour to just be part of its story”, but “I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family”.
It comes after a 36-year-old man was charged over alleged plot to kidnap Willoughby.
The This Morning presenter, 42, pulled out of the show on Thursday last week and her London home was reportedly being guarded by police.
An ITV boss said the broadcaster is looking forward to working with Willoughby “in the future”.
The incident followed a turbulent time for the tv show after the scandal involving former presenter Phillip Schofield’s affair with a younger colleague.
An external review of the facts after Schofield’s departure is currently under way and ITV bosses have said both Schofield and his former lover “repeatedly denied” allegations of a relationship until the star quit ITV and formally apologised.
Willoughby’s announcement on Tuesday also comes after a 36-year-old man was questioned by detectives last week about an alleged plot to kidnap her.
Willoughby’s full statement on Instagram 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.
“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 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’. It’s been an honour to just be part of its 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”
In a statement, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at 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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