Former This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby is reportedly planning to 'quit the UK' and move abroad with her family in a major career shake-up and to 'start leading a normal life again'.
The mum-of-three stepped down from the ITV flagship show earlier this month after 14 years. The 42-year-old presenter said it was an "honour to just be part of its story" and that she had made "this decision for me and my family".
It comes just months after her former co-host and best pal Phillip Schofield resigned after he admitted having an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a younger male colleague. On the programme in June, Holly said the revelations about Schofield had left her "shaken, troubled, let down and worried".
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Following the 61-year-old's sudden exit, Holly took an extended summer break and holidayed in Portugal with her family. Now insiders claim Holly could be looking to make a permanent move abroad after quitting her role on This Morning.
A source said: "Holly’s always loved the idea of spending some time abroad – not only for a career shake-up, but also to give the children that experience of living in a new country."
They told Closer: "With everything that has happened recently, she has told pals it may be the perfect time to do it – and make the jump after years of having it swirling around in the back of her head as a distant dream. She’s felt like a bit of a recluse in London, feeling like a prisoner in her own home.
"She’s hated losing her freedom. Going to the US would definitely provide an escape. She’s desperate to start leading a normal life again."
Reports initially claimed that the BBC were hoping to poach Holly from ITV with a "golden handcuffs" deal. However it later emerged that the broadcaster had apparently backed out of the talks.
"Holly isn't going to be signed up on an exclusive deal for the BBC—or to be the face of any of their new shows—at this moment in time," a source told The Sun. "Their golden handcuffs deals are few and far between and Holly was being lined up to become a major player for them."
The source continued: "But after seeing everything that has unfolded over the past five months, the BBC wants to give her some breathing space before making any offers."
