Holly Willoughby left This Morning in October 2023 after 14 years as the show’s main presenter. She announced her departure on 10 October 2023, stating she was leaving “for me and my family” . Her exit followed a turbulent period that included a co-host scandal, a public controversy, and a criminal threat against her life.
How Long Was Holly Willoughby on This Morning?
Willoughby began co-presenting This Morning in September 2009, replacing Fern Britton alongside Phillip Schofield . She remained a central face of the ITV daytime programme for 14 years, fronting it from Monday to Thursday each week.
Her final appearance as host came on 4 October 2023, just days before her official announcement . At the time of her departure, she was 42 years old and had three children with her husband, Dan Baldwin .
Her Role and On-Screen Partnerships
Willoughby’s most enduring partnership on the show was with Phillip Schofield, with whom she also co-presented Dancing on Ice from 2006 . The pair’s on-screen chemistry made them one of British television’s most recognisable duos.
Their collaboration contributed to This Morning winning National Television Awards in daytime categories for 12 consecutive years . When Schofield left in May 2023, Willoughby continued presenting alongside other hosts, including Josie Gibson .
The “Queue-gate” Controversy (September 2022)
In September 2022, Willoughby and Schofield faced significant public backlash after being seen inside Westminster Hall during Queen Elizabeth II’s lying-in-state . Critics accused them of skipping the public queue, which at points reached wait times of at least 24 hours .
Willoughby addressed the controversy on air, stating: “Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists we were given official permission to access the hall. It was strictly for the purpose of reporting on the event” . She added: “We would never jump a queue” .
ITV’s chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall publicly defended the pair, saying they “did not do anything wrong” and confirming they had proper accreditation . A UK Parliament spokesperson confirmed that media accreditation was given to journalists for reporting purposes .Quick Bio: Holly Willoughby
Phillip Schofield’s Exit (May 2023)
Willoughby’s departure came five months after her long-time co-host Phillip Schofield left ITV . On 26 May 2023, Schofield admitted to an “unwise, but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague at This Morning .
Schofield had previously denied the relationship and apologised for lying to his employers, colleagues, family, and the public . ITV said it was “deeply disappointed by the admissions of deceit” and cut all ties with him .
Willoughby publicly stated she felt “shaken, troubled, let down and worried” when she returned to the show in June 2023 . She described Schofield’s admission as “very hurtful” .
The Kidnap Plot and Gavin Plumb
Willoughby’s departure also followed the revelation of a plot to kidnap and murder her. Gavin Plumb, a security guard from Harlow, Essex, was arrested in October 2023 after being snared by an undercover US police officer .
Police found a “kidnap kit” at Plumb’s flat, including hand and ankle shackles, rope, 400 metal cable ties, and bottles of chloroform . Plumb had searched online for “how to meet people who plan to kidnap celebs” and discussed his plans in an online group called “Abduct Lovers” .
In July 2024, Plumb was convicted of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap . He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years . In October 2025, his appeal against the sentence was dismissed by the Court of Appeal .
Lord Justice Edis described Plumb’s plans as “horrifying” and said Willoughby’s death was “specifically contemplated and intended” . The judge added that the harm intended was “of the gravest and highest possible kind” .
Why She Left This Morning
In her official statement, Willoughby said: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning” . She explained: “Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family” .
ITV’s managing director Kevin Lygo said the broadcaster respected her decision and described her as “one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK” . He added that she brought “warmth, energy, humour and fun” to the programme .
In a later interview with The Sunday Times Style, Willoughby said the choice to leave was “really simple and easy” despite the difficult circumstances . She stated: “You have to go: I choose to positively move forward” .
What Holly Willoughby Has Done Since
After leaving This Morning, Willoughby continued presenting Dancing on Ice until ITV announced in March 2025 that the show would be “rested” with no plans for another series . She also hosted the Netflix reality competition Celebrity Bear Hunt in 2025, though it was not renewed for a second season .
In July 2026, Willoughby launched a YouTube lifestyle channel called “Holly Willoughby Together” . The channel releases two episodes per week and covers fashion, beauty, health, wellness, and celebrity interviews .
The first guest was Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci, with other guests including Katherine Ryan, Emma Bunton, and Nicole Appleton . Willoughby described the venture as “basically all the things I love; fashion, beauty, cooking, showbiz and real-life stories” . The channel is produced by Hungry Bear Media, which is co-owned by her husband Dan Baldwin .
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Holly Willoughby leave This Morning?
She announced her departure on 10 October 2023, after 14 years on the show .
Why did she leave?
She stated the decision was made “for me and my family” . Her departure followed Schofield’s exit and a kidnap plot against her .
Who was her main co-host?
Phillip Schofield, with whom she presented from 2009 until his departure in May 2023 .
What is she doing now?
She launched the YouTube channel “Holly Willoughby Together” in July 2026 .
Conclusion
Holly Willoughby’s 14-year tenure on This Morning made her one of British television’s most familiar faces. Her exit in October 2023 followed a co-host scandal, a public controversy over the Queen’s lying-in-state, and a serious criminal threat that led to a life sentence for Gavin Plumb. Since leaving the show, she has moved into independent digital media with her YouTube channel, marking a new chapter in a career that has spanned more than two decades.
