Holly Willoughby steps down as host of This Morning after kidnapping scare: 'I have to make this decision for me and my family'

Holly Willoughby has shocked fans with an announcement, just days after a plot to kidnap here was uncovered.

The UK TV personality and mum-of-three took to social media to reveal she's stepping down as host of This Morning, after 14 years at the helm for the sake of her family.

"I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning," she wrote in a letter to fans.

READ MORE: Sophie Delezio gives update on surgery recovery process

"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.

READ MORE: Warning over marks left on plastic containers after eating

"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.

"I will miss you all so much."

The news comes five days after the 42-year-old was kept under police guard in her London home, after a plot to kidnap and "seriously harm" the star was uncovered.

Essex Police later arrested a 36-year-old man as part of the investigation.

It's been a tumultuous year for the blonde beauty, previously the darling of daytime TV in the UK.

Willoughby issued a divisive statement on-air after publicly supporting her co-host Phillip Schofield, amid reports he had an inappropriate relationship with "a younger male colleague".

Schofield eventually resigned from his position as public pressure came to a head earlier this year, after he confessed to lying about the relationship.

Willoughby told her loyal viewers she too had been lied to in the process and wouldn't have supported him otherwise.

"It's taken time to process yesterday's news," she said, of her co-host of 14 years.

"When reports of this relationship first surfaced, I asked Phil directly if this was true and was told it was not.

"It's been very hurtful to now find out that this was a lie."

Schofield and Willoughby had co-hosted the show together since 2009, interviewing the biggest names and even royalty.

Their on-screen chemistry earned them prime-time hosting gigs together, like Dancing on Ice.

Willoughby hasn't detailed what she may do next but celebrity fans and colleagues were quick to rush their support to the star in the comments of her post.

"This is a very sad day ! Love you," Alison Hammond wrote.

"Always the most lovely host each and every time I was on with you- thank you for being so sweet over the years and onwards and upwards! Sending lots of love D," Irish Donal Skehan wrote.

Celebrity chef Juliet Sear said: "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."

"Such a sad day, you're a TV icon and will be missed. Sending love," Ashley James wrote.