Holly Willoughby is thought to be pondering a career change after her abrupt departure from This Morning earlier this month.
In an Instagram post, the 42-year-old host confirmed her decision to leave the ITV programme after 14 years, calling it a ‘difficult goodbye’.
This follows her former long-time co-host Phillip Schofield‘s departure from the programme in May after confessing to lying about having an affair with a younger colleague.
Holly, who said that she took the choice for herself and her family, is now rumoured to be pursuing a career away from the spotlight.
The TV personality currently operates the wellness and lifestyle company Wylde Moon and is rumoured to be considering expanding her expertise in this field.
A source told Closer the star is considering a role in coaching and therapy, as this last year has ‘changed what she wants out of life’.
Although Holly ‘adores presenting’, this new suspected career path includes her ‘favourite’ part of This Morning: the phone-ins. The source also explained how Holly loves ‘giving advice’.
‘Plus she’s always seen among her friends as the go-to for advice so she’s been thinking of life coaching or training as a therapist of some sort,’ the source told the publication.
They continued: ‘With everything she’s been through, Holly’s really felt the benefits of mindfulness and talking to others about how she’s feeling.
‘It’s also made her question her life in the spotlight and she’d maybe like to live a bit more low-key, with a primary focus on helping others.’
Back at the beginning of this month, Holly’s full statement of departure from ITV read: ‘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 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 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 I feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.
She concluded the post: ‘I will miss you all so much.’
Fellow celebrities flocked to her support, as Friday host Dermot O’Leary penned: ‘Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X.’
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Josie Gibson – who has largely filled in for Holly since her departure – added: ‘You have made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW.’
ITV boss Kevin Lygo also said in a statement the broadcaster was ‘sad’ over Holly’s departure but ‘respected’ her decision.
He continued: ‘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.’
The position on the couch is a significant one for ITV to fill, and the newest rumours claim frontrunners include Kate Garraway and Davina McCall – with potential candidates apparently being tested before Josie travels to the jungle on I’m A Celebrity.
An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘There will be a mix of different hosts over the coming weeks as bosses screen test various contenders, some who will have been on the show before and some won’t.
‘There is a great existing pool of presenters both male and female who have featured before but bosses will also be looking outside of the show to try potential new faces out.
‘It’s an obvious way to test chemistry, likeability, and the sheer skill of presenters to see if they can make hosting a live two-and-a-half-hour show look easy.’
