Holly Willoughby: Man charged over alleged plot to kidnap and murder This Morning presenter

A 36-year-old man from Harlow, Essex has been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Niamh Lynch

News reporter @niamhielynch

Tuesday 10 October 2023 18:09, UK

Holly Willoughby arrives for the National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London. Picture date: Tuesday September 5, 2023.
Image: Holly Willoughby arrives for the National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London, last month
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A 36-year-old man has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field, Harlow, has been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

He is accused of encouraging someone to travel to the UK to carry out the plan and of assembling a kidnap and restraint kit.

The suspect appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday and was remanded in custody.

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The charges follow an arrest which was made on Wednesday, 4 October.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said: "This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges.

"The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds."

Gavin Plumb. Pic: BBC
Image: Gavin Plumb. Pic: BBC

This Morning bosses were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due to go on air, according to The Sun.

ITV 'shocked' and providing support for Willoughby

ITV are also providing round-the-clock security and support for Willoughby alongside the police.

A spokesperson for ITV said: "This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV. We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time."

On This Morning today, Dermot O'Leary said: "We are not going to talk too much about it but Holly is on the front pages after police arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged kidnap plot. He has now been charged by Essex Police."

Fellow presenter Alison Hammond said: "We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he "sends his best" to Willoughby in an appearance on This Morning on Friday.

"I just want to say I was so sorry to hear about everything going on with Holly, just wanted to send my best," he said.

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