This Morning staff are reportedly feeling relieved over Holly Willoughby's decision to step down from the show.

Last week the host announced that she was quitting her role after 14 years to "put family first", amid an alleged kidnap plot.

It came after a tough year for Holly following a reported feud with her former co-host Phillip Schofield, who stepped down after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague.

The star also faced public backlash after she and Phillip were accused of skipping the queue to see the Queen lying in state after they were granted special media access by ITV.

Following the scandal dubbed "queue gate," over 75,000 people signed a petition calling for both Holly and Phil to quit.

Now, a TV insider claims that staff at This Morning were ‘"relieved" to hear the news that Holly had left after a tough time for the show.

They told The Sun: "It's understandably taken a toll on the crew who have to work through some pretty tense and miserable times.

"When it was announced Holly would no longer be returning, everyone working backstage breathed a sigh of relief.”

The source added that "morale" behind the scenes has been "at its lowest in years", with staff hoping to have some "normality" restored at work.

OK! have contacted ITV for comment.

Holly announced her departure from the show in a statement, saying that she let ITV know that after 14 years she will not be returning to This Morning.

The announcement continued: "This is such a difficult goodbye; you are incredible, and I will forever be proud of what we've done together. I will not be returning to This Morning.

"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.”

She added that she has made the decision for her family, before thanking the show’s fans for their loyalty over the years.

"Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show it will always belong to the viewers,” she said.

"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. Holly."

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