Holly Willoughby has announced she will be leaving This Morning after a man was arrested over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the presenter.

Ms Willoughby, 42, said it had been an “honour to be part of the show’s story” but said she had to make the decision for her family.

In a post on Instagram, Ms Willoughby, a mum of three, said that after 14 years she would be leaving the popular ITV breakfast show.

She added: “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.” 

Gavin Plumb, of Potters Field, in Harlow, Essex, appeared in court last week charged with solicitation to commit murder and kidnap Ms Willoughby. 

The 36-year-old, who is a security officer at a shopping precinct in the town, appeared for a short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

Ms Willoughby has reportedly been under police protection at her home since the alleged plot was uncovered.

This is a breaking story. More follows.