Holly Willoughby has stated that her decision to leave This Morning two years ago was “easy” after the ordeal she faced towards the end of her stint on the ITV breakfast show.
The mum of three, 43, who co-hosted ITV‘s long-running daytime show from 2009, decided to step down in 2023 after a harrowing kidnap plot.
Next month, Holly is set to serve as a host on Netflix’s new reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt, with the programme featuring celebs trying to evade Bear Grylls in Costa Rica’s jungle.
It has been touted as her major comeback to broadcasting since leaving This Morning according to reports in the Mirror, even though she continues to present Dancing On Ice.
This weekend, speaking to The Sunday Times Style magazine, Holly candidly discussed her departure from This Morning, a role that solidified her status as a household name. Summarising her decision, she said: “The choice was really simple and easy.”
In the interview, Holly candidly admitted that it was “terrifying” to give up the job that provided her with a consistent income for so many years, reports the Mirror.
She continued: “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 [to step away] was really simple and easy, actually.”
It comes after Holly left fans shocked in October 2023 when she announced she was stepping down from This Morning with immediate effect.
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In her statement at the time, she 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.”
She continued, “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. I will miss you all so much.”
In a separate incident in July last year, Gavin Plumb, 37, a former security guard, received a life sentence for plotting to kidnap and murder Holly.
During the sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Justice Edward Murray described Plumb as “I found you to be dangerous” and expressed concerns about the threat he posed to women.
Viewers can catch Holly hosting Celebrity Bear Hunt when it premieres on Netflix on February 5. Among the celebrities participating in the show are Spice Girl Mel B, TV presenter Steph McGovern, and Strictly judge Shirley Ballas.
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