HOLLY Willoughby has released a statement as she quits This Morning with an emotional farewell.
The host, 42, made the shocking revelation in an Instagram post on Tuesday following a traumatic week after a plot to kidnap her was revealed.
After 14 years on the hit daytime show, Holly said she has had to make the tough decision "for me and my family".
It comes just days after Gavin Plumb, 36, was accused of contacting a US “hitman” as part of a plan to snatch the mum-of-three.
The 35-stone shopping centre security officer appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday to face the charges – soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap – with Holly as the alleged target.
It is claimed Plumb was in possession of "weapons" and had contacted a hitman based in America to carry out the "detailed plan".
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HOLLY QUITS
Holly Willoughby QUITS This Morning after 14 years as she thanks viewers
'KIDNAP PLOT'
35-stone guard in court charged with 'contacting hitman to murder Holly'
According to the charges, he allegedly “solicited, encouraged, persuaded, endeavoured to persuade, or proposed” to murder Holly.
It is understood that officers found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes at Plumb’s home when they raided it last week.
She has since been inundated with support after The Sun revealed details of the alleged plot.
Holly was likely to be absent from This Morning for the next few weeks following the terrifying plan.
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The TV star even pulled out of a red carpet event in London this week.
In an email sent out to staff, and seen by The Sun, the ITV Daytime managing director said they were supporting Holly as much as they could through the "distressing time".
Boss Emma Gormley said she knew many staff had also been "deeply affected" by the news of the alleged plot.
Holly was previously put under 24-hour surveillance and has now made the decision to quit ITV altogether.
It comes as:
- Holly shockingly quits ITV after an alleged kidnap plot
- The star was put under 24-hour surveillance as The Sun revealed suspected plans
- Gavin Plumb appeared in court charged with allegedly plotting to kidnap and murder Holly
- Fans have been left in tears since her departure announcement
- Her co-stars break their silence after her shock exit
- ITV boss says she will be "enormously missed"
- After 14 years on the show, Holly leaves just months after Phillip Schofield
HOLLY'S STATEMENT IN FULL
"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.
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"I will miss you all so much.
"Holly."
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