Holly Willoughby 'hitman set to arrive next week' before cops foiled 'plot'

07 October 2023 , 11:55

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Holly Willoughby was reportedly 'distraught' over the alleged plot (Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)

The US hitman allegedly hired to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby was scheduled to arrive next week before police foiled the alleged plot.

Essex Police arrested 36-year-old Gavin Plumb on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap the presenter on Wednesday night, as officers confirmed an "ongoing investigation". The This Morning star was told of the alleged plot moments before she was due to present the ITV show on Thursday. Holly's home was under "around-the-clock" watch by police guards.

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field Harlow was charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap yesterday. He has appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday after being held by officers on Wednesday.

Gavin Plumb has been remanded in custody

During the hearing, District Judge Caroline Dickson told Plumb: "This is a really serious allegation. The case against you is you had items in your home which were used in the preparation to carry out these offences. The other party is abroad and has made preparations to arrive in the UK next week."

Plumb was remanded in custody and told to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.

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Holly, 42, was pulled from Thursday's This Morning show at the last minute after being told of the alleged threat. The star is said to be 'distraught'.

She was replaced by Alison Hammond, who joined Josie Gibson to host the programme on Thursday but did not mention the reason for Holly's absence at the time.

The following day Alison returned to the This Morning sofa alongside Dermot O'Leary. Upon opening the show, the pair addressed news of the alleged kidnap plot and told viewers: "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."

Alison 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."

Essex police said a 36-year-old man was arrested at a flat in Harlow on Wednesday evening on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.

Superintendent Tim Tubbs of Essex Police 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 as the investigation proceeds."

Amy Denman