Holly Willoughby has announced her This Morning exit following a tumultuous 12 months of controversy.
Last September, the 42-year-old and her then co-host Phillip Schofield were embroiled in a 'Queuegate' scandal as they were accused of using media privileges to skip the queue to see the late Queen Elizabeth's coffin as she lay in state.
Earlier this year Schofield was dropped by ITV after admitting to lying about having had an affair with a younger male colleague - including to his long-time friend Willoughby.
She has been off the air since last week after it emerged that a man had been charged by police over a plot to kidnap and murder the presenter.
In a statement today, 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. 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 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."
Willoughby, who had been a staple on This Morning since 2009, has yet to confirm whether she will stay with ITV as host of Dancing On Ice, which returns in January. body check tags ::
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