Alison Hammond says ‘this is a very sad day’ as Holly Willoughby quits This Morning

Alison Hammond has reacted to Holly Willoughby's departure from This Morning after 14 years.

Responding to Holly's emotional statement about quitting the show, Alison wrote: "This is a very sad day ! Love you."

Holly, 42, announced she is stepping down from presenting This Morning after 14 years in an emotional statement.

She said it was an “honour to just be part of the show's story” but that she feels “I have to make this decision for me and my family” in a social media post on Tuesday.

Her full statement on Instagram 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 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.

She finished off with: “I will miss you all so much. Holly.”

Vanessa Feltz, who is a This Morning regular, said: "We will miss you so very much my darling."

Baking expert Juliet Sear wrote: "So sad to see you go Holly wishing you loads of positive things for your new chapter xxx it’s been wonderful working with you for the last 8 years and making your birthday cakes to for the last 14. lots of love to you and you family xxx."

Rochelle Humes, who is a regular host on the ITV show, also shared her sadness as she said: "This is a sad day. We love you x."

Meanwhile, an ITV boss said the broadcaster is looking forward to working with Holly “in the future” following the news she is quitting.

In a statement, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, 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.

“She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.

“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 enormously.

“She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.”

Holly has been off air in recent days and pulled out of hosting This Morning on Thursday last week. Her London home was reportedly being guarded by police after a man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

Holly’s former co-host Phillip Schofield left the show earlier this year after he admitted to having a relationship with a younger male former colleague.

An external review of the facts after Phillip’s departure is currently under way and ITV bosses have said both Phillip and his former lover “repeatedly denied” allegations of a relationship until the star quit ITV and formally apologised.

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