06 October 2023 , 09:01
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A man has been charged and will appear in court today over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby.
Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. He is set to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today after being held by officers on Wednesday.
Superintendent Tim Tubbs of Essex Police 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 as the investigation proceeds.”
Holly, 42, was pulled from Thursday's This Morning show at the last minute after being told of the alleged threat. The star is said to be 'distraught' and being watched by a round-the-clock police guard at her home. Essex police said a 36-year-old man was arrested at a flat in Harlow on Wednesday evening on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
The TV presenter is said to have found out on Thursday morning and taken out of ITV's schedule as a result. Police reportedly alerted producers just moments before Holly was due on air.
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Police remained outside the suspect's flat on Thursday. Officers are also outside Holly's home where she lives with her husband Daniel Baldwin and their sons Harry and Chester and daughter Belle. ITV are also providing round the clock security and support alongside the police, the PA news agency understands.
Essex Police said in an earlier statement: “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 October 4. He is currently in custody.”
It's believed the suspect is not known to the mum-of-three and spent last night in police custody while a marked police car remained outside his ground-floor flat, where he lives alone.
Alison Hammond had been forced to step in to present the show with Josie Gibson on Thursday, during which they did not mention the reason for Holly's absense.