Holly Willoughby quits This Morning months after co-host Phillip Schofield stepped down: Presenter leaves ITV show after 14 years saying decision not to return is 'for me and my family' after ex-Pizza Hut worker was charged over kidnap and murder plot

Holly Willoughby has quit ITV's This Morning after 14 years, it has emerged. 

The TV star, 42, took to Instagram today to confirm she 'will not be returning' to the show. She said it was an 'honour to just be part of its story' but that she feels 'I have to make this decision for me and my family'.

Ms Willoughby, acknowledging that leaving is 'such a difficult goodbye', has thanked the network for 'being supportive'.

She also expressed her gratitude to the 'wonderful viewers' that she says have been 'loyal, so supportive and the very best company' over the years.

Her exit from the show comes after a former Pizza Hut was remanded in custody last week charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Ms Willoughby. 

Gavin Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, is accused of offences including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap in relation to the broadcaster, allegedly contacting a hitman in the US and booking him flights.

Ms Willoughby's full statement said: '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.'

An ITV boss said the broadcaster is looking forward to working with Ms Willoughby 'in the future' following the news she is quitting This Morning.

In a statement, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, told MailOnline: 'We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make.

'Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.

'Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country's most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously.

'She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.'

Ms Willoughby's This Morning family has rallied behind her in wake of her shock exit from the programme. 

Alison Hammond said 'this is a very sad day' but reiterated that she loved the presenter.

Juliet Sear, TV cook and baking expert, posted that she was 'sad' to see Holly go, but also wished her 'loads of positive things' in her 'new chapter'.

'It's been wonderful working with you for the last 8 years and making your birthday cakes to for the last 14,' Ms Sear wrote. 'Lots of love to you and you family.'

Vanessa Feltz added: 'We will miss you so very much my darling.'

Mother-of-three Ms Willoughby pulled out of hosting the show last week and was placed under police guard at her home with her husband and children.

Emma Gormley, Managing Director of ITV Daytime, wrote to staff after Plumb was arrested last Wednesday and charged last Friday, MailOnline revealed yesterday.

She said: 'Inevitably there is already speculation about when Holly will return. However, our priority right now is the safety and well being of Holly and her family.  I wanted to reassure you that throughout this distressing time, we have been in constant contact with Holly and the authorities and we are providing all the support we can'.

Ms Willoughby was said to have been left 'shocked and distraught' when she was told about the plot shortly before she was due to go on air.

Emma Gormley said: 'I know many of you have been deeply affected by the events of last week. As you will know, an individual has now been charged.

'As always, the incredible production team at This Morning and the Daytime Crew have remained calm, professional and focused throughout this unsettling time and I want to thank them for being the best in the business. If anyone feels they need any support, please do reach out to me'.

Plumb is a security guard at Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow and appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday wearing a green t-shirt with the slogan 'Aged to Perfection'. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Prosecutors told the court that Plumb was part of a network of like-minded individuals and he had conspired with a man from the US whom he arranged to fly to Britain next week to execute their plot. They are alleged to have devised their conspiracy over the internet and made a 'detailed plan' to execute it.

According to the charge sheet, Plumb had also 'assembled a kidnap and restraint kit capable of encouraging or assisting the commission of the kidnap of Holly Willoughby'.

Police were said to have seized mobile phones and electronic devices from his flat, as well as the weapons haul.

Following the news, Ms Willoughby's former co-host, Phillip Schofield reportedly contacted her the first time in five month to share his well wishes.

The pair had been close friends and co-hosts on ITV's This Morning for 14 years until Mr Schofield left in May after admitting to having had an affair with a younger male member of staff, which he initially lied about.

The presenting duo had not spoken since his departure with rumours of a rift fuelled by his and his two adult daughters unfollowing her on social media.

However, Mr Schofield broke the ice because he was 'horrified' by the allegations about the plot to target her.

'Holly and Phil's friendship was so close before the events of this year,' a source told The Mirror.

'I was so sorry to hear about everything going on with Holly and I wanted to send my best to her and her family and to all of you,' he said.

Ms Willoughby, who presented ITV's flagship daytime program This Morning and Dancing on Ice during the early months of the year, had been off air since Thursday. 

Police chiefs had alerted ITV bosses to the alleged plot early Thursday and the presenter was told shortly before she was due to go on air. It was decided she should pull out and Ms Hammond was called in to present alongside host Josie Gibson.

On This Morning on Friday, presenter Dermot O'Leary addressed the alleged plot, saying: 'We are not going to talk too much about it but Holly is on the front pages after police arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged kidnap plot. He has now been charged by Essex Police.'

Co-presenter Ms Hammond said: 'We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family.'

Another presenter, Lorraine Kelly, told viewers: '[It's] very, very upsetting, and of course we are sending Holly all of our love and best wishes.

'That's a terrible thing to be having to go through for her and her family.'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also offered his support to Ms Willoughby while appearing for an interview on This Morning.

'I was so sorry to hear about everything going on with Holly and I wanted to send my best to her and her family and to all of you,' he said.