Holly Willoughby explained alleged kidnapping and murder plot – suspect with chilling details

Holly Willoughby's life was turned upside down last year when the TV star was the target of an alleged plot to kidnap and kill her.

Shopping center security guard Gavin Plumb has been in custody since October over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the former This Morning presenter. He is charged with solicitation to murder and instigation to commit kidnapping between October 2 and 5 in Harlow, Essex.

It was supposed to be just an ordinary Thursday for the mother-of-three, with the ITV Studios presenter preparing to host This Morning on October 5 when she was informed of the terrifying plot and was interrupted.

Alison Hammond stepped in at the eleventh hour to cover for Holly and presented the show alongside Josie Gibson as police briefed her co-star on the gruesome details of the alleged plot.

In a statement shared at the time, Essex Police said: “A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an investigation into course. The arrest took place on Wednesday October 4. He is currently in detention.

Holly was reportedly under “24-hour police guard” in the hours that followed, with officers spotted outside her London home, which she shares with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.

The TV presenter made no public comments about the alleged plot or the arrest of the suspects and remained off our screens for more than a week, before finally confirming her exit from This Morning.

Taking to Instagram on October 10, the emotional star told her followers: “I made it known to ITV today that after 14 years I will not be returning to This Morning. It has been an honor to be a part of his story and I know there are still so many chapters to go. Unfortunately, I feel like I have to make this decision for myself and my family.

“This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I will always be proud of what we did together. Thank you to everyone at ITV for your support. To all the guests who sat on our sofa, thank you . Above all, thank you to the wonderful viewers you have been very supportive and have been the best company every day.

The following month, Plumb appeared at a pre-trial and plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court. He spoke only to confirm his details and plead not guilty. It was alleged he conspired with another man and developed a “detailed plan” to commit the offences. According to the charges, he “solicited, encouraged, persuaded, attempted to persuade” a third party to murder Willoughby.

Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, pleaded not guilty to charges of solicitation to commit murder and inciting kidnapping when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.

At the time, Judge Mary Loram KC told Plumb he would stand trial next year and remanded him in custody. She said: “Mr Plumb, I am adjourning your case for trial and that trial will take place on June 24 next year.”

Holly remained off-air and silent on social media after leaving This Morning, but made a much-welcomed return to our screens earlier this year. The brave star has teamed up with long-time friend Stephen Mullhern to host the 2023 series of Dancing on Ice.

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