Holly Willoughby shocked fans all over yesterday when she revealed she was quitting This Morning after 14 years presenting the show.
Since then, one of her furious friends has reportedly claimed she was forced to leave the daytime programme and 'had no choice'.
The ITV star released a statement on the matter to Instagram yesterday (10 October) confirming the news.
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It begins: "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," she continued.
"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'."
Holly, 42, went on: "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. Holly."
The bombshell announcement comes after it was revealed that Holly was set to go on 'indefinite leave' from This Morning after learning about an alleged plot to kidnap her.
The mum-of-three is said to be 'distraught' by the sinister plot and has since been put under surveillance by police to keep her and her family safe.
Officers were stationed outside her London home, which she shares with her three children and husband Dan Baldwin.
Essex Police has confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
As per The Mirror, one of Holly's alleged friends has opened up about their anger over the broadcaster having to give up a job she loved over fears of her and her family's safety.
"She is in a bad way but some things aren’t worth it no matter how much she adored This Morning," the friend revealed.
"It’s terrible that one of our best presenters felt she had no choice."
Holly's departure comes a good few months after her former co-host Phillip Schofield left the show in May and later admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague.
Managing director for media and entertainment at ITV, Kevin Lygo, has since issued a statement on Holly leaving the This Morning family.
He said: "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.
"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. We look forward to continuing to work with her in the future."
Topics: Holly Willoughby, Celebrity, This Morning, TV And Film, ITV
Rhiannon Ingle