This Morning editor Martin Frizell has announced that he is stepping down from the show after 10 years.
The 65-year-old told staff that his decision to leave ITV in the spring has been made in order to focus on his family, with his wife - former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips - having being diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year.
The news also comes after a turbulent two years for the daytime programme, which saw Phillip Schofield depart after admitting to an affair with a colleague, then Holly Willoughby quitting following a kidnap and rape threat.
In a message to colleagues, Frizell said: "Next year I'm expecting my family priorities to change so I need to free up time for them.
"I love my team at ITV and will miss them and the thrill of live telly but it's an always on, 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment and I won't be able to do both.
"It's been a privilege to lead truly great presenters and producers, between us we've turned out more than six thousand hours of live topical telly, that's around 20,000 items and whilst the gongs are always nice.
"I'm most proud of the change we made to so many lives, even saving a fair few with our campaigns on anti suicide, menopause, testicular cancer and 'how - to' items. This juggernaut is the toughest test for any broadcast journalist."
Emma Gormley, ITV's MD for daytime, added: "Martin has brought so much success to This Morning over the last decade which has seen an evolving landscape of changing and diversifying viewing habits.
"Under Martin, This Morning is now one of the nation's most engaged formats, on both ITV and social platforms, hitting an amazing 1 billion views across this year alone; an incredible legacy.
"I am proud of the brilliance and energy that he has brought to his role as custodian of this iconic brand.
"Martin's decade-long contribution to the longevity and good health of our flagship show has been remarkable, and he leaves it in a place where it can continue to thrive into the next decade and beyond."
The news also raises doubts over the future of the duo Frizell chose to replace Schofield and Willoughby, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, who took over hosting duties in March.
Neil Wilkes
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