Holly Willoughby discusses her decision to leave This Morning after a chilling kidnap plot, emphasizing her focus on positivity and her exciting new venture with Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt.
Holly Willoughby has spoken candidly about her departure from This Morning , describing her decision as a simple and easy one after 14 years in the role. The 43-year-old, who co-hosted the popular ITV daytime program from 2009, made a sudden exit in 2023 following a chilling plot by a man to kidnap, rape, and murder her.
Next month, Holly will mark her television comeback as the host of a new Netflix reality series titled Celebrity Bear Hunt, where celebrities will attempt to evade survival expert Bear Grylls in the jungles of Costa Rica. The show is being touted as her major return to television after stepping down from This Morning, although she continues to present ITV's winter sports competition Dancing On Ice.This weekend, Holly reflected on her decision to leave This Morning in an interview with The Sunday Times Style magazine. The role had cemented her status as a household name since her early days in children's television and light entertainment. In just seven words, she summed up her decision: 'The choice was really simple and easy.' When asked if it was 'terrifying' to walk away from a role she held for 14 years, Holly responded: 'That question is wrapped up in so many things that were going on at that time. But no. That was the last thing on my mind. The choice was really simple and easy, actually.' She shocked her fans in October 2023 when she announced her departure from This Morning. 'I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning,' she said. '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.' Holly expressed heartfelt gratitude to their audience: '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'.' Reflecting on her departure, Holly stated, '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. I will miss you all so much.' The news came after a harrowing turn of events. In July of the previous year, Gavin Plumb, a 37-year-old ex-security guard, received a life sentence for plotting to abduct and murder Holly. At Chelmsford Crown Court, Justice Edward Murray described Plumb as 'dangerous' during sentencing and aired his concern about the man's potential threat to women. Opening up about the kidnapping plot, Holly revealed how difficult the past 12 months have been for her. 'It’s been a tough one. There’s no way of sugarcoating it,' she said. She went on to disclose that 'nothing can prepare you for something like that' and emphasized the need to 'decide, I can take this on board and it can absolutely affect all aspects of my life, or I can make a choice to go, let’s focus on everything that’s positive and good, all those important things.' Emphasizing her gratitude for her well-being and loved ones, she continued: 'I’m healthy and I’m happy,' adding: 'I’ve got a wonderful husband and children and family, I’ve got great friends. You have to go: I choose to positively move forward and rely on all those people – the police, the court, the judge, the jury – all those people to do their role. And that’s what I had to do.' Fans can catch Holly hosting Celebrity Bear Hunt when it arrives on Netflix on February 5th. Among the stars participating in the show are Spice Girl Mel B, TV presenter Steph McGovern, and Strictly judge Shirley Ballas
Holly Willoughby This Morning Netflix Celebrity Bear Hunt Kidnap Plot Television Return
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dancing on Ice's first axed star issues two-word response after 'unfair' twistDancing on Ice was back on screens on Sunday night for a brand new episode - fronted by Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern - but one star was sent packing in a shock twist
Read more »
Brianna Parkin: 'I am the Holly Golighty of discount stores'As someone who grew up buying most of their household bits from ‘2 dollar shops’ without any shame, I will argue that they are a lifeline for some communities
Read more »
Good Morning Britain Presenter Adil Ray Faces Backlash for 'Fat-Shaming' Darts Star Luke LittlerAdil Ray's comments about Luke Littler's weight and diet sparked outrage from viewers who accused him of body shaming the young athlete.
Read more »
Catherine's Morning Fuel: Kate Middleton's Breakfast Choice RevealedGet a glimpse into the Duchess of Wales' healthy eating habits and discover her favorite breakfast choice for sustained energy.
Read more »
Ireland weather updates: Friday morning will be ‘bitterly cold with widespread ice’Met Éireann warns against complacency despite orange warning ending, gardaí call on motorists to drive at appropriate speeds
Read more »
Morning Coffee Linked to Lower Risk of DeathA new study suggests that drinking coffee in the morning may be associated with a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes.
Read more »