October 12th 2023.
This week marked the unfortunate departure of Holly Willoughby from ITV's morning show, This Morning. The 42-year-old presenter announced her resignation in a statement shared on social media, expressing her gratitude to the team and viewers who have been so loyal and supportive throughout her 14 years on the show.
Although there was a tribute to Holly on Wednesday's show, with the opening montage featuring a caption that read: ‘Goodbye Holly,’ and co-hosts Craig Doyle and Rochelle Humes paying tribute to her live on-air, the send-off wasn't quite enough for ITV staff. It's been claimed that they were left 'outraged' by the way in which Holly's departure was handled, with one insider saying: ‘The staff really didn’t see Holly’s exit coming. It’s such a huge shame she didn’t get the big send-off she deserved after 14 years on the sofa, but I’m sure they will all celebrate her time on the show privately.’
Holly thanked her viewers for being 'so loyal' and 'so supportive' in her statement. She said: ‘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.’
In the wake of Holly's departure, This Morning is set to undergo a huge revamp. An insider said that her decision to quit has 'sent shockwaves through the corridors of power at ITV’ after a ‘turbulent 12 months’. They continued: ‘But the feeling now is that change must be made – and this is the impetus needed. This Morning boss Martin Frizell will continue to lead the charge and is working tirelessly to give viewers what they want – a warm, buzzy, feel-good magazine show, marshalled by two fresh new anchors.’
It's been an emotional week for Holly and her This Morning family, but the show must go on. Viewers are speculating who will take over the main presenting roles, and executives will be meeting with a variety of presenters in the coming weeks in search of the perfect chemistry.
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