TV presenter Holly Willoughby has announced that she is stepping down as a team captain on ITV2’s Celebrity Juice after 12 years.
In a lengthy Instagram post alongside a collage of photos, Holly thanked the viewers and the team at ITV2 for such a great time on the show. She said: “Thank you Celebrity Juice for 12 years of fantastic chaos… I can’t quite believe what we’ve done and how quick that time has gone. Thank you to you all for watching..we’ve always had the loudest and best audiences.
“Also a huge thank you to ITV2 for believing in the show in the first place and for all of your support…Over the years the production team has changed, however to anyone lucky enough to have worked on the show, they will know that we really do have the best time, it’s never felt like work and always been to me like a night out…”
Acknowledging that all good things must come to an end, Holly of course also paid tribute to her co-star Keith Lemon, who has fronted the show since it began in 2008. She said: “It’s time for me to hand over my team captain seat to some lucky lucky person… whoever that is, know you are about to get one of the best jobs in telly working with one of comedy’s finest… @keithlemon.
“Where to begin… 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… I love the bones of you Lemon! Thank you for making me laugh for twelve years… I’ll be back as a guest and just to make sure someone is keeping you in check… if I don’t see you through a week or next week or the week after… know you are always in my heart.”
Following Holly’s announcement, Keith has shared his own video montage on Instagram of his co-star’s best bits on the show. Describing her as “the best”, Keith added “I’ve had a lovely time working with you. You are the best! I hope I’m lucky enough to work with you again one day.” Using his trademark saying to round up his message, he said: “If I don’t see ya through the week I’ll see ya through the window.”
Celebrity Juice first launched back in 2008 with Keith Lemon as the host along with Holly and Fearne Cotton as team captains. Fearne stepped down from the show in December 2018 after 10 years, with Paddy McGuiness replacing her. He was a team captain for one series before being replaced by Spice Girl Mel B.
Holly’s replacement has yet to be announced but bookies are already taking bets on who will be taking over. Popular bets at the moment include Michelle Keegan, Scarlett Moffat, and Rylan Clark-Neal.