Holly Willoughby 'murder and kidnap' plot: Suspect contacted hitman in the US to kill 'This Morning' star

A man named Gavin Plumb has appeared in court facing serious charges of solicitation to commit murder and incitement to kidnap popular TV presenter Holly Willoughby. The 36-year-old works as a security officer at a local shopping precinct in Harlow.

He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on 3 November. The accusations against Plumb are of soliciting, encouraging, persuading, or proposing to a third party to commit the murder of Holly Willoughby between the 3rd and 4th of October in Harlow.

It is alleged that between the 2nd and 5th of October, he was actively involved in formulating a plan with a third party, encouraging that party to travel to the UK to execute the plan, and even assembling a kit for kidnap and restraint, which could potentially facilitate the kidnapping of Willoughby.


Det Supt Rob Kirby of Essex Police emphasised the swift pace of the investigation, with cooperation from national partners and officers working tirelessly 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," he said in a press statement.

ITV, where Holly Willoughby is a prominent presenter, expressed shock and concern over the news, extending their full support to Holly and her family during this distressing time.

Holly Willoughby was notably absent from Thursday's episode of the ITV show "This Morning" and was reportedly under police protection at her home.

Presenters Dermot O'Leary, Alison Hammond, and Lorraine Kelly, along with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, all conveyed their support and well-wishes for Holly Willoughby in light of the disturbing developments.

This incident follows a turbulent period for the 42-year-old TV presenter, with her co-presenter Phillip Schofield's resignation in May and subsequent admissions of personal affairs. Despite these challenges, she had previously announced her intention to continue her role as a presenter on "This Morning," though she did take a break from the program during the summer.

Holly Willoughby's agent and publicist has denied comment regarding the alleged kidnap plot, redirecting all inquiries to the police, BBC reported.