This Morning kick off show with touching tribute to Holly Willoughby
She's quit the show after 14 years
Last updated 11th Oct 2023
Following the shock news that loveable TV presenter Holly Willoughby has quit her role on This Morning after a huge 14 years, This Morning kicked off today's (Wednesday 11th October) show with a lovely tribute to the 42-year-old.
Today's hosts Rochelle Humes and Craig Doyle started the episode by saying, "We want to start by sending our love, best wishes and respect to our Holly.
"Last night, Holly made what we know will have been a heartbreaking decision to leave this morning. After 14 years.
"Holly loved her job here and was really looking forward to the future of the show. But recent events, especially in the past week have been hard to deal with. And she's quite rightly putting her family first.
"On behalf of everyone here in front and behind the camera. We just loved working with Holly and she made coming to work so much fun. We're all really really sad, and we're really going to miss her.
"Holly says she's incredibly proud of what she's achieved on this show and so are we she will forever be one of us.
"But, as Holly Willoughby knows only too well. The show must go on."
Lorraine Kelly also spoke about the news at the beginning of her show Lorraine at 9am, telling showbiz reporter Lucie Cave that she was "really sad", but called her decision "understandable."
After being taken off air for her safety following last Wednesday's episode, Holly made the tough decision to leave her role on the popular Daytime show.
Taking to social media to release an emotional statement, Holly told fans: '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'. (sic)
Holly's fellow This Morning hosts and friends were quick to comment and send their love and support.
Alison Hammond wrote: 'This is a very sad day ! Love you 🥰', with Dermot O'Leary writing: 'Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X'. (sic)
Rochelle Humes commented: 'This is a sad day 😢❤️ We love you x', with Josie Gibson commenting: 'You've made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW'. (sic)
Laura Whimore then wrote: 'You do what’s best for you. Look after yourself lovely Holly. You light up any screen you’re on xxx', with Susanna Reid writing: 'Sending love to you and your family Holly ❤️'. (sic)
The support didn't end there, Kate Thornton wrote: 'Sending you all my love. ❤️', with Dan Walker writing: 'Wishing you all the best Holly'. (sic)
This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna then commented: 'Your star will continue to shine everywhere you go ⭐️ You have given us all so much love and light, in front and behind the cameras ♥️ I am so grateful for everything you have given me… I love you so much darling beautiful Holly, the sunshine of our days ♥️♥️'. (sic)
Check out all of the people who could replace Holly on the show:
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is the Friday host alongside Dermot O'Leary, but she's currently one of the favourites to take the full time role.
Dermot O'Leary
He hosts the show on a Friday alongside Alison Hammond, but fans would love to see Dermot O'Leary in a more full time role.
Josie Gibson
As well as being a loved member of the This Morning team, Josie has been promoted to host in recent months during the holidays, alongside Irishman Craig Doyle. And now she's appearing in I'm A Celeb, will she host the show permanently in 2024?
Cat Deeley
After joining Rylan Clark in November 2023 to host the show, fans were calling for Cat Deeley to become a permanent presenter!
Craig Doyle
Craig joined the This Morning team in 2021, presenting competitions before being promoted to a stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson. In recent months, Craig has presented the main show alongside the likes of Alison Hammond, Mollie King, Rochelle Humes, and Holly Willoughby.
Since Phillip's departure, Craig has been presenting the show frequently alongside Holly.
Rylan Clark
Until recently, Rylan Clark was a regular face on This Morning, stepping in to host the show as well as being the showbiz reporter. Now there's a position going, will Rylan leave his radio show to return?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon is firm favourite at ITV, having been a popular panellist on Loose Women for a number of years. Following Phillip's departure earlier this year, many of Stacey's fans believed she'd hinted she could be about to replace him, after revealing she'd just had 'one of the most exciting meetings of my life.'
Marvin and Rochelle Humes
Rochelle is a current member of the This Morning team and has stepped in to host the show a number of times, and she's also number of other shows alongside her husband Marvin! The pair would be a great fit!
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford
Former Friday hosts Ruth Langsford and her husband Eamonn Holmes were replaced by bosses by Alison and Dermot, but could they be tempted to return to host the show?
Ben Shephard
Ben Shephard is a regular face on the ITV circuit - not only is he a regular presenter for Good Morning Britain, he also hosts daytime challenge show Tipping Point. He's an official stand-in on This Morning, having hosted alongside Holly in October, so could his role become more permanent?
Davina McCall
Davina is loved by TV fans across the UK, and she's been a regular guest on the show over the years, as well as occasionally stepping in to host.
Christine Lampard
Christine Lampard (née Bleakley) has been a stand-in for Holly Willoughby in the past, and she often presents Lorraine when Lorraine Kelly is off on holiday, meaning she's very well liked at ITV!
Gok Wan
Fashion guru and chef Gok Wan was a huge hit with viewers when he hosted the show alongside Rylan Clark back in 2018, and he's now a regular guest presenter on the show!
Vanessa Feltz
Vanessa Feltz has been a TV personality since 1992 - so she's VERY experienced. Having previously presented the show and often giving advice to callers, she wouldn't be a stranger to the show.
Abbey Clancy
Rumours are rife that TV presenter and model Abbey Clancy is the new favourite to replace Holly. The mum-of-four had a good relationship with ITV, having recently worked with them on Abbey Clancy: Celebrity Homes.
Hannah Waddingham
Actress and TV presenter Hannah Waddingham has also been thrown into the hat for the role. Known for roles on Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones and this year's Marks and Spencer Christmas advert, as well as presenting Eurovision 2023, Hannah would be a very popular choice.
Holly's last show was alongside Josie Gibson on Wednesday 4th October.
ITV/STV bosses are yet to confirm who will replace Holly on a permanent basis.
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