Holly Willoughby kidnap plot from 'sinister messages' to night time arrest
Holly Willoughby has reportedly been left "distraught" after a man was arrested over conspiracy to kidnap the This Morning star.
Holly, 42, pulled out of hosting This Morning yesterday at the 11th hour – and was replaced by Alison Hammond, who presented the ITV daytime programme alongside Josie Gibson.
There was no mention of Holly's absence during yesterday's show, while viewers were left puzzled over the reason for her spontaneous absence, before the terrifying kidnap plot was revealed.
Here, the Mirror takes a look at the events as they unfolded.
11th hour This Morning replacement
This Morning bosses were alerted by police of the alleged plot early on Thursday morning. Holly was then told shortly before she was due on air at 10am, reportedly leaving her "shocked and distraught" as she was forced to pull out of presenting the programme at the last minute.
Phillip Schofield mocks Molly-Mae's baby name in cruel swipe at Love Island star
Alison, 48, was called in to replace Holly as hosts avoided to explain Holly's absence as they spoke in a TV link to Lorraine Kelly too tease what was coming up on their magazine programme.
Alison Hammond stepped in to replace Holly WilloughbyPresenters' absences are usually explained to viewers, however on this occasion this wasn't the case.
At the beginning of the show Josie announced: "Look who’s joined me. It’s only the one and only Alison Hammond."
The Great British Bake Off host Alison then joked about being "jealous" of her and Holly.
Fans were left confused over the replacement and lack of explanation as one wrote on Twitter: "No Holly today?! Devastated," and another added: "Not even a mention of why she’s not on today?!"
Sinister messages and threats to 'seriously harm'
The alleged suspend was reportedly arrested on Wednesday evening by police, who are said to have found "sinister messages" threatening to kidnap and "seriously harm" Holly.
The alleged suspect is understood to not be known to the star has been held in police custody.
It is not known how police became aware of the alleged kidnap plot – but it has been said that digital devices and a mobile phone were seized.
A source claimed to The Sun: "Investigations are continuing but police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly.
"There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her."
Happy Valley star reassures concerned fans as he teases 'mind-blowing' final
Late night arrest
Police confirmed in a statement they have arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
An Essex Police statement said: "A 36 year old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest was made on Wednesday 4 October. He is currently in custody".
Holly's home is reportedly under '24 hour police watch' (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
A 36-year-old man has been arrested under suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap (ITV)Meanwhile, a neighbour told The Sun they saw the man being led out of his flat in handcuffs at around 9pm on Wednesday evening.
A forensics van was reportedly spotted outside the man's flat earlier on Thursday while a police car was reportedly outside the property "all day".
Holly under 'round-the-clock police guard
Since being told of the alleged kidnap threat, and while the investigation is under way, This Morning star Holly is said to be under "around-the-clock police guard.
A police guard is said to be posted outside her London home, which she shares with her husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.
It is now yet known when she will be expected to return to This Morning – but the star doesn't present the Friday episode of the programme as Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary usually present on the last day of the week.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
