Celebrity Juice: Holly Willoughby quits series and thanks Keith Lemon for ‘12 years of chaos’

Lemon praised Willoughby for ‘getting hands dirty’ on ITV2 show

Holly Willoughby has announced she has quit Celebrity Juice after 12 years, hailing host Keith Lemon as “one of comedy’s finest”.

The This Morning presenter has been a panellist on the ITV2 series since it began in 2008, but is said to be stepping down to spend more time with her family.

Willoughby follows Fearne Cotton, who quit the show in December 2018. Cotton’s replacement, Paddy McGuinness, left after one series before Spice Girl Mel B took over.

It’s unknown who will replace Willoughby.

A number of episodes recorded in lockdown will be her last appearance on the series.

On Instagram, Willoughby thanked the series for “12 years of fantastic chaos” as well as ITV2 “for believing in the show in the first place”.

She wrote: “It’s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out.”

The TV presenter had only nice things to say about Lemon, writing: “I remember starting this journey with you and saying ‘I think this might work’... my goodness me it did... three friends, you me and @fearnecotton ... and that is what is at the heart of it.. friendship... [sic].”

Ahead of the reports, Lemon shared a video of Willoughby on Instagram, in which he looks shocked as she shouts the word “f***” at the screen.

He captioned it: “Love this woman. What an incredible sport. Always willing to get her hands dirty and join in. One of the boys but all woman. Super rad! Super nice! My mate! I salute all your wonderfulness. Massive hugs.”

Willoughby responded: “Aww... what a lovely thing to say... love you Lemon.”