Holly Willoughby: Man charged over alleged kidnap plot

Image source, Getty Images

This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby, pictured at the 2022 NTA Awards, did not appear on her ITV show on Thursday

A man has been charged with soliciting to commit murder over a reported plot to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

Gavin Plumb, 36, was arrested on Wednesday "as part of an ongoing investigation", Essex Police said.

He was also charged with incitement to commit kidnap.

Willoughby did not appear on Thursday's edition of ITV show This Morning. She was said to be under police protection at her home on Thursday night.

The suspect is in custody and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court later.

Essex Police did not confirm whether Willoughby had been the target of the alleged plot, which was first reported in The Sun.

The newspaper said police had found "sinister messages" threatening to kidnap and "seriously harm" the star, adding that digital devices and a mobile phone were seized during the arrest.

In a statement, Det Supt 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."

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 on Friday, presenter 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."

Co-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."

The charges follow a turbulent few months for Willoughby, 42, who has presented This Morning since 2009.

Willoughby said she would remain as a presenter, but took a break from the programme during the summer.

The BBC approached Willoughby's agent and publicist to comment on the alleged kidnap plot, but they declined, directing all inquiries to the police.