Holly Willoughby quits This Morning after 14 years

Holly Willoughby has quit This Morning after 14 years.

The 42-year-old announced her exit from the ITV show on Instagram today (10 October).

Willoughby joined This Morning as Phillip Schofield's co-host in 2009.

The mum-of-three has been absent from the show since last week, when a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged plot to kidnap her.

She was reportedly placed under police watch with her family for safety, with Alison Hammond and others replacing her on the show.

Willoughby's exit from This Morning comes five months on from Schofield leaving after more than 20 years of presenting the daytime programme.

The 61-year-old left ITV all together after he admitted to having an affair with a younger male colleague on the show.

ITV

Announcing her, seemingly sudden, exit, Willoughby wrote in the post: "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 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."

ITV

A source previously told the Mail that Willoughby wasn't going anywhere after Schofield's exit: "Holly is the future and ITV wanted to make that clear. It's a sure sign that she is at the helm and the other presenters will join her.

"It's a brand new start for This Morning, the scandal could have destroyed it but it has managed to keep going. There is a lot of excitement."

Hammond commented on Willoughby's post to say: "This is a very sad day! Love you."

And fellow This Morning guest Vanessa Feltz wrote: "We will miss you so very much my darling."

It is not yet known if Willoughby will also quit her presenting gig on ITV's Dancing on Ice, which she and Schofield had hosted together.