Richard Madeley says 'it's only telly' as he 'stands by' Holly Willoughby after reference in This Morning exit statement
11.10.2023 - 09:31
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Richard Madeley has reacted to Holly Willoughby's exit from This Morning as he appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday (October 11). The TV presenter, who co-hosted This Morning alongside his wife Judy for 13 years after it first launched, was referenced in Holly's exit statement which she shared to Instagram on Tuesday (October 10).
The 42-year-old announced that, after 14 years at the helm of the ITV programme, she will not be returning to her role as host. Holly had been absent from the show since Wednesday last week after a man was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the TV star.
Gavin Plumb, 36, has been remanded in custody after being charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap between October 2 and 5 in Harlow, Essex. The charges indicate the defendant is accused of planning to assemble a “kidnap and restraint kit” and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences.
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Bosses at ITV were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning (October 5) and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due to go on air, the Sun newspaper reported. ITV was understood to be providing round-the-clock security and support for the star, alongside the police.
Announcing her decision to leave This Morning, Holly shared a statement to her Instagram yesterday. Thanking ITV for its support, she wrote: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever