Keith Lemon says Holly Willoughby’s decision to quit ‘Celebrity Juice’ was a "shocker".
The 47-year-old comedy star – whose real name is Leigh Francis – has admitted to being taken by surprise by Holly’s decision to walk away from the show after 12 years in order to spend more time with her family.
Speaking to Mark Wright on his ‘Lockdown Workout’ about Holly’s announcement, Keith said: "Shocker. She told me last week so I knew when we were doing the lockdown ‘Juices’, but I didn’t want to bring down the joy. Gotta keep it joyful, I guess."
Keith admitted to feeling down about the news, saying it’s always hard whenever anybody leaves his comedy show.
The presenter compared Holly’s departure to Fearne Cotton’s decision to quit ‘Celebrity Juice’ in 2018.
He said: "I was gutted when Fearne left.
"If anyone leaves who you like a lot, love a lot, you’re upset aren’t you? But we are all adults aren’t we?"
Meanwhile, Holly has thanked the ‘Celebrity Juice’ team for 12 years of "fantastic chaos".
The 39-year-old TV star thanked the crew and Keith for making her time on the programme so enjoyable.
She wrote on her Instagram account: "Thank you @celebjuiceofficial 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… Thank you for all your ingenious ideas and hard work… (sic)"
Keith Lemon says Holly Willoughby leaving Celebrity Juice is a ‘shocker’
