Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid has sent her “best wishes” to “beloved” Holly Willoughby after the star quit This Morning after 14 years.
The 42-year-old announced her departure on social media on Tuesday, almost a week after a man was charged with soliciting to commit murder over an alleged plot to kidnap her.
The TV presenter pulled out of hosting This Morning last Thursday and her London home was reportedly being guarded by police after the terrifying alleged plot was foiled.
In response to Willoughby’s decision to leave, the ITV stalwart Reid began: “I just want to open the show by sending, I’m sure, all of our 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.
“Our very best wishes to Holly, a beloved colleague. I’ll miss seeing her walking past as she goes to work.”
Reid’s co-host Ed Balls added: “She’s had such a tough year, but you feel confident that she’ll be back on television soon, we don’t know when but she’s a total star, so it’ll be a big loss.”
Sharing a statement on social media on Tuesday, Willoughby, wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
“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.”
She went on to thank everybody who has worked on the programme, writing: “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.”
Following her announcement, Willoughby was inundated with messages of well wishes and support by her fellow ITV colleagues.
Her regular This Morning co-host Alison Hammond wrote: “This is a very sad day! Love you.”
Craig Doyle added: “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.”
“You have made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW,” said another one of her regular co-hosts Josie Gibson.
Friday presenter Dermot O’Leary penned: “Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X.”
“We will miss you so very much my darling,” penned This Morning’s resident agony aunt Vanessa Feltz.
Willoughby first joined the show in 2009 and presented alongside Phillip Schofield until he quit in May this year after he admitted to having “an unwise, but not illegal” affair with a junior colleague on the show.
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.
The daytime programme has continued to face scrutiny following Schofield’s departure, including claims the show fostered a “toxic” bullying culture.
Willoughby and Schofield, who had presented it together since 2009, also co-hosted Dancing On Ice before Schofield’s ITV resignation. It is not clear yet whether Willoughby will present the next series on the celebrity competition which is due to return in the new year.
