Shocking twist: Holly Willoughby's absence from 'This Morning' linked to foiled kidnapping plot

Holly Willoughby, the ITV presenter, was notably absent from her regular hosting role on This Morning last Thursday, October 5th. The absence was attributed to an alleged kidnapping plot that was thwarted by the police, according to reports. Willoughby was reportedly shocked and distressed upon discovering "sinister" messages that threatened to kidnap and harm her.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the conspiracy to kidnap, and police have been stationed outside her £3 million residence in southwest London. The Independent has reached out to Willoughby's representatives for a statement. Meanwhile, Alison Hammond replaced her on the show without explaining the reason for the sudden change, leaving viewers puzzled.

Essex Police released a statement, saying, "A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation." This alarming incident was brought to the attention of This Morning's producers by the police, leading to Willoughby's absence on the show. Lorraine Kelly, during her show, expressed sympathy for Willoughby, calling the situation "very upsetting" and sending her best wishes.


This episode adds to a turbulent period in Willoughby's life, marked by the scandal surrounding her former co-host Phillip Schofield's admission of an affair with a younger male employee. Schofield resigned from ITV after confessing to lying about the relationship.

He reached out to Willoughby to apologize for his actions, and he described it as the "one secret in our sanctuary that was never mentioned." Willoughby initially responded to the reports of the affair on Instagram, expressing her hurt and disappointment.

Willoughby, who is married to TV producer Dan Baldwin, returned to This Morning after a scheduled break and has two sons and a daughter with her husband. Despite the challenges she has faced, the couple recently celebrated Baldwin's 48th birthday, as shared on Willoughby's Instagram.