Featured Image Credit: ITV / Jeff Spicer / Stringer / Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, Holly Willoughby, ITV, TV And Film, This Morning, Kate Garraway
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Celebrity, Holly Willoughby, ITV, TV And Film, This Morning, Kate Garraway
It's been a pretty intense year for ITV and it seems the constant rotation of changes aren't about to die down anytime soon.
Tributes all over have flooded in from fans, celebs and fellow This Morning stars after Holly Willoughby, 42, announced her departure after 14 years presenting the show.
Since her exit, the broadcaster is already working hard to find her replacement and is reportedly 'in talks' to make Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard the new This Morning presenters.
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The ITV star released a statement on the matter to Instagram last week (10 October) confirming the news.
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 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.
Holly's departure also 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.
According to a source via the Daily Mail, Kate, 56, and Ben, 48, could end up being the new presenting duo on the daytime show.
A This Morning insider reportedly said: "Ben and Kate are adored by the public when they host together. Fans love them.
"While the bosses love Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson, they know they need someone more heavyweight. Kate is a journalist yet is also funny and warm."
ITV's head of daytime, Emma Gormley, has reportedly been given the responsibility of finding the new team.
Other names allegedly floating around the frame include Emma and Matt Willis, and Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.
Tyla has reached out ITV for comment.