Holly Willoughby quit This Morning because 'it wasn't the same' after co-host Phillip Schofield left

Holly Willoughby quit This Morning because 'it wasn't the same' after co-host Phillip Schofield left, but she was finally 'tipped over the edge' by 'kidnap and murder' plot, insiders reveal, as ITV show descends into chaos ahead of relaunch next ye

Holly Willoughby (left) today revealed she 'will not be returning' to This Morning, where she has been a host for 14 years (first appearance pictured inset). 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 in her Instagram post (top right) 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 Gavin Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, (bottom right) was remanded in custody last week charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Ms Willoughby. He 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.