The editor of 'This Morning' reportedly found out Holly Willoughby was quitting just 20 minutes before she announced the news on Instagram.
This Morning editor blindsided by Holly Willoughby quitting
The 42-year-old presenter had co-hosted the show since 2009 but sensationally announced she was leaving this week for the sake of herself and her family after an alleged kidnap plot.
And, Martin Frizell, 64, who has championed Holly during her time on the show, was reportedly left stunned by the news.
A source told The Mail On Sunday newspaper: "Despite Martin's loyalty to Holly, he wasn't in her inner sanctum when it really mattered. He sided with her throughout the difficulties with Phil [Phillip Schofield] and besides, it's his show, but instead Holly dealt with Emma [ITV's head of daytime output Emma Gormley], over it all.
"Martin always spoke so highly of Holly. He adored her and he was extremely loyal.
"It's the talk of ITV that he was told so late on. It doesn't exactly seem overly respectful. What a way to treat an editor."
Holly's decision to leave also left many staff members upset.
The insider added: "It has been one thing after another. It's like a soap opera and that's OK if you're one of the highly-paid stars getting chauffeured to work and back, but if you're grafting behind the scenes to keep things afloat, it's incredibly frustrating.
"Holly decides to leave, she puts it on Instagram. Imagine how that makes you feel. There were tears. The team has been through so much in the last year. Many feel they are at the end of their tethers. It has been heartbreaking, and hard, to watch it all happen."
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