Holly Willoughby's pal sends star poignant messages and gives TV return update

19 November 2023 , 18:02

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Holly Willoughby's pal sends star poignant messages and gives TV return update

Holly Willoughby's pal has given an update on the presenter and believes that she's having a "tough time" – although he's trying to boost her mood.

Leigh Francis who starred with Holly on Celebrity Juice for 12 years as his alter ego Keith Lemon revealed the former This Morning presenter has been struggling since the news that she and her family were potential targets of a kidnapping plot. Leigh explained: "I don't think she's in a good place. She's having a tough time." he added that he regularly texts his former co-star and has been checking in with her to try and raise her spirits.

He added: "I just text her? I don't ask how she is, but I send her some messages to cheer her up. I just go, "Hope you're OK", and tell her about things I've bought. Like, 'I've just wasted my money on some Spider-Man Crocs, Holly? do you like them?'"

When asked if he thought she might return to ITV to present shows like Dancing On Ice, he couldn't answer but simply replied that he "doesn't know".

Holly Willoughby stepped out of the limelight after the plot to kidnap and murder her was foiled (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Comedian Leigh Francis revealed he's been checking in with Holly to see if she's ok since she quit The Morning (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Winter Wonderland)

Last month Holly was rocked by the devastating news that she and her family were targeted by a kidnapping plot. The scary news saw Holly immediately take time off work from her presenting duties on ITV, as well as later stepping down from ITV's This Morning.

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The scary news saw Holly immediately take time off work from her presenting duties on ITV, as well as later stepping down from ITV's This Morning. Gavin Plumb has since been denied bail after the plot was foiled by cops. During a short hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, November 17, Plumb, 36, from Harlow, Essex, who was not present, bail was refused. He has a trial date fixed for June 24 next year.

Mr Plumb is accused of having contact with a "third party" in America to snatch and kill the former This Morning host.

According to the charges, he allegedly "solicited, encouraged, persuaded, endeavoured to persuade" a third party to murder Mrs Willoughby. Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow pleaded not guilty to the charges of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to kidnap as he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.

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

On Friday, a bail application at Chelmsford Crown Court for Mr Plumb was settled. Shopping centre security guard and ex-Pizza Hut worker Plumb was charged for an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the TV star between October 2 and October 5. He was charged on October 6 and was remanded to custody. Plumb appeared in court earlier this month for the plea and trial preparation hearing.

Niamh Spence