Holly Willoughby kidnap plot suspect is 35 stone ex-Pizza Hut employee

Holly won't return to This Morning for the foreseeable future

Holly is on indefinite leave from This Morning after she was at the centre of a horror kidnap and murder plot.

It is understood that ITV bosses have given her permission to remain off work for as long as she needs following the shock discovery. A source said: "Holly has been left distraught by the news of this plot. This has been an absolutely horrible week for her.

"At the moment she really is getting through things hour by hour. Her absolute priority is her own safety and that of her family - who are supporting her through this incredibly difficult time.

"There has been no discussion about when, or if, she will return to the This Morning sofa. No decisions have been made about that. But given the terrifying things she has learned this week, the question of returning to work could not be further from her mind." READ MORE HERE.

Holly Willoughby 'hitman scheduled to arrive next week' before police foiled 'plot'

The US hitman allegedly hired to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby was scheduled to arrive next week before police foiled the alleged plot.

Happy Valley star reassures concerned fans as he teases 'mind-blowing' final

Essex Police arrested 36-year-old Gavin Plumb on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap the presenter on Wednesday night, as officers confirmed an "ongoing investigation". The This Morning star was told of the alleged plot moments before she was due to present the ITV show on Thursday. Holly's home was under "around-the-clock" watch by police guards.

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field Harlow was charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap yesterday. He has appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Friday after being held by officers on Wednesday.

During the hearing, District Judge Caroline Dickson told Plumb: "This is a really serious allegation. The case against you is you had items in your home which were used in the preparation to carry out these offences. The other party is abroad and has made preparations to arrive in the UK next week."

Read more, here.

Holly Willoughby 'in bits' and 'terrified' after discovering plot

Holly was reportedly "in bits" and her close friends claim the presenter was left "shaken, petrified and unable to take in" what's happened. Speaking to Mail Online, one source claimed: "Holly couldn't believe that she got up one morning and that's how the day went. It is absolutely awful, it's difficult to find the words."

Another added: "There have been several stages of this, which have shocked Holly more as she learned more. Thursday was not a good day for her. It was frightening and distressing as she learned the breakdown of the accusations. It terrified her."

Holly is yet to publicly address allegations, but Willoughby's ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly addressed the story on Friday’s episode of her programme Lorraine, saying it was "very, very upsetting". She added: "Of course we are sending Holly all of our love and best wishes, that is a terrible thing to be having to go through for her and her family."

Holly Willoughby kidnap plot could have happened next week, police fear

The alleged plot to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby could have been planned for next week, it has been claimed.

Essex Police arrested 36-year-old Gavin Plumb on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap the presenter on Wednesday night, as officers confirmed an "ongoing investigation". The This Morning star was told of the alleged plot moments before she was due to present the ITV show on Thursday.

Police surrounded her home she shares with husband Daniel Baldwin and their children, before being put with "around-the-clock" police guards.

Officers are said to have found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes after during the arrest which they believe could be part of a "kidnap and restraint kit". Plumb was in contact with a "third party" in the US to snatch and kill the TV star, it is alleged. The associate in the US was due to land in Britain on Monday before cops swooped on Plumb's flat, it is claimed.

How This Morning hid Holly Willoughby kidnap plot as she was replaced at 11th hour

Holly Willoughby was missing from Thursday's This Morning after police officers discovered a worrying alleged kidnap plot against the star, but the ITV clearly hid this from viewers.

On Thursday, ITV viewers were left confused as Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond presented the show, but failed to mention why Friday This Morning host Alison had stepped in at the last minute. Holly and Josie hosted the show together on Wednesday with no mention of Holly's upcoming absence.

The pair shocked viewers when they first appeared together during a handover with fellow ITV star Lorraine Kelly shortly before This Morning went live. Police alerted This Morning bosses to the alleged plot early Thursday morning and Holly was informed shortly before she was due on air at 10am.

An Essex Police spokesman said last night: “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. Enquiries continue.”

The presenter was said to have been left “shocked and distraught” by the update. The man was arrested after police reportedly found “sinister messages” threatening to kidnap and “seriously harm” the This Morning host.

Read the full story, here.

All we know about Holly Willoughby's TV producer husband Dan Baldwin

Holly Willoughby rarely shares much insight into her home life away from the This Morning cameras.

The 42-year-old This Morning star, who is reportedly under round-the-clock police watch after a terrifying kidnap plot, keeps coy about her husband Dan, 48, and their three children.

Just days before Holly was swiftly taken off of This Morning following reports of threats to kidnap and 'seriously harm' the TV star, Holly made a rare gushing tribute to her husband Dan.

TV star Holly posted a photo of herself planting a sweet kiss on Dan's cheek and giving him a big hug while he beamed and hugged her back while holding a point of beer in a plastic glass. In the photo, the loved-up couple are stood side-on to a stage at the Lucca Summer Festival, which is one of Italy's biggest music events and takes place throughout June and July.

Holly is wearing a straw hat with a black trim along with a strappy patterned top and a suede brown skirt while Dan is rocking a grey short-sleeved shirt and black sunglasses. As she posted the photo on her Instagram page, she gushed in the caption: "Happy birthday to my Love".

Read the full story, here.

Holly Willoughby 'kidnap plot' news: Everything we know so far

Holly Willoughby was told of an alleged plot to kidnap and kill her moments before she was due to present This Morning. ITV bosses pulled her appearance on Thursday's programme, placing the star into protection by police officers.

Cops surrounded her home, shared with husband Daniel Baldwin and their sons Harry and Chester and daughter Belle, as Alison Hammond was forced to step in last-minute, leaving Holly with "around-the-clock" police guards.

Essex Police arrested 36-year-old Gavin Plumb on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap on Wednesday night, as officers confirmed an "ongoing investigation". Here The Mirror explains everything we know so far about the scary situation.

Read the full story, here.

Rishi Sunak reaches out to Holly Willoughby

Rishi Sunak reached out to Holly Willoughby on Friday as he send well wishes to her and her family during an appearance on This Morning.

Joining Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary in the This Morning studio, Mr Sunak began by sending his support to Holly. He said: "Before we get going, I was going to say I'm so sorry to hear about everything that is going on with Holly. I wanted to send my best to her and her family and to all of you."

Dermot replied: "Thank you, we appreciate that," as Alison added: "And she will appreciate that as well." Mr Sunak joined Alison and Dermot on This Morning to discuss the outcomes of the recent Conservative Party conference and his pledges for his government.

Read the full story, here.

Holly Willoughby pals say This Morning presenter 'is in bits' over 24/7 security

Holly Willoughby was reportedly 'in bits' and after ITV bosses were forced to quickly call in This Morning presenter Alison Hammond to take her place next to co-presenter Josie Gibson after a terrifying kidnap threat.

Viewers were left guessing as to why Holly was missing from the ITV morning show. Holly's close friends have now claimed that the presenter was left 'shaken', 'petrified' and 'unable to take in' what had happened to her.

Speaking to Mail Online, one source claimed: "Holly couldn't believe that she got up one morning and that's how the day went. It is absolutely awful, it's difficult to find the words."

Another added: "There have been several stages of this, which have shocked Holly more as she learned more. Thursday was not a good day for her. It was frightening and distressing as she learned the breakdown of the accusations. It terrified her."

Holly Willoughby kidnap suspect pictured sitting silently in dock with folded arms

A court sketch of Gavin Plum, the man suspected of incitement to commit kidnap and soliciting to commit murder, shows him folding his arms and looking downwards in court as he appeared today.

Gavin Plumb appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in a green T-shirt

Plumb, 36, of Potters Field, Harlow, Essex appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today wearing a green T-shirt.

A court sketch sees Plumb folding his arms and looking downwards while a court officer stands behind him.

Plumb spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, and remained impassive throughout the hearing. He did not enter a plea.

The case has been referred straight to Chelmsford Crown Court, where Plumb will appear on November 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. District Judge Caroline Jackson told Plumb he faces “really serious allegations” and remanded him in custody until his next court appearance.

ITV stars reach out to support Holly Willoughby

TV stars from the ITV family have sent messages of support to Holly Willoughby after Gavin Plumb's arrest.

Holly was noticibly missing from This Morning on Thursday morning as Alison Hammond was drafted in to replace her at the 11th hour after police told ITV bosses of an alleged kidnap plot against the star.

Following the news an arrest was made – before Gavin Plumb was later charged with alleged offences including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap – TV stars shared supportive messages to Holly.

Speaking on her ITV daytime show, Lorraine Kelly said: "Very upsetting and of course we're sending her all of our love and best wishes. That's a terrible thing to go through for her and her family."

Later, at the top of Friday's episode of This Morning, 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. He has now been charged by Essex Police."

Alison added: "We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family."

Holly Willoughby 'murder and kidnap' plot suspect 'contacted US hitman', court hears

A hitman was due to jet into the UK within days to carry out a plot to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby, a court has heard.

Gavin Plumb, 36, a security guard at the Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow, Essex, was in contact with a "third party" in the US to snatch and kill the TV star, it is alleged.

The associate in the US was due to land in Britain on Monday before cops swooped on Plumb's flat, it is claimed.

The court was told he had conspired with him to carry out the "detailed plan" and had bought weapons that were discovered at his home.

Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, in Essex, appeared for a short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court today.

The ex-Pizza Hut and McDonald's worker is accused of offences including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

District Judge Caroline Dickson told Plumb: "This is a really serious allegation. The case against you is you had items in your home which were used in the preparation to carry out these offences.

"The other party is abroad and has made preparations to arrive in the UK next week."

Read more, here.

Holly Willoughby kidnap suspect appears in court

Gavin Plumb has appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court as he was accused of charges including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Plumb, 36, of Potters Field Harlow appeared in court dressed in a green T-shirt with a shaved head, beard and thin moustache, sporting a tattoo on his left arm.

Gavin Plumb appeared in court today

Plumb spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, and remained impassive throughout the hearing. He did not enter a plea.

The case has been referred straight to Chelmsford Crown Court, where Plumb will appear on November 3 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. District Judge Caroline Jackson told Plumb he faces “really serious allegations” and remanded him in custody until his next court appearance.

How This Morning hid Holly Willoughby kidnap plot as she was replaced at 11th hour

Holly Willoughby was missing from Thursday's This Morning after police officers discovered a worrying alleged kidnap plot against the star, but the ITV clearly hid this from viewersOn Thursday, ITV viewers were left confused as Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond presented the show, but failed to mention why Friday This Morning host Alison had stepped in at the last minute. Holly and Josie hosted the show together on Wednesday with no mention of Holly's upcoming absence.

Read more, here.

Holly Willoughby kidnap suspect Gavin Plumb pictured as ex-Pizza Hut employee is due in court today

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Harlow has been pictured for the first time since he was charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Gavin Plumb has been pictured after being charged over Holly Willoughby kidnap plot

The ex-Pizza Hut worker, who worked as a kitchen assistant for a year until 2012 according to his LinkedIn, is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today after being held by officers on Wednesday.

Gavin previously said he was unable to work as he couldn't get out of his flat, not leaving his home for at least four years from 2014.

Plumb once starred in a BBC feature on weight loss in 2018 – where he wrote a diary after hitting 35 stone. He claimed he only ever left his flat to go to the communal bins, but Gavin is understood to be getting out more frequently recently.

Plumb tolg the BBC in 2017: "The last time I went out unaided was 2014 - it was my parents' wedding vow renewal.

"I only really go out my front door to put out a bin bag, in the bin just outside the flat, and that's every few days. Other than that, I don't leave my doorstep.

"I don't like sitting around and doing nothing."

Holly Willoughby's year from hell - kidnap horror and Queuegate to Phil scandal

Holly Willoughby has faced a difficult year after being known for decades as the Queen of Daytime TV.

Most recently, the 42-year-old was placed under police guard after an alleged plot to kidnap her was uncovered by cops, but her woes haven't stopped there.

From losing her co-star and best friend of 17 years over an affair scandal to dreaded Queuegate and being snubbed an NTA for the first time in years, it's been tough.

Read more here.

Holly forced to pull out of This Morning at 11th hour

Holly Willoughby was missing from Thursday's This Morning after police officers discovered a worrying alleged kidnap plot against the star, but the ITV clearly hid this from viewers.

Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson fronted the ITV daytime programme on Thursday morning but failed to mention why Holly was absent from the show.

Police alerted This Morning bosses to the alleged plot early Thursday morning and Holly was informed shortly before she was due on air at 10am.

Holly was later placed on round-the-clock police guard at her London home.

ITV give update and share 'huge shock' over Holly kidnap plot

ITV have released a statement this morning after a 36-year-old man was accused of charges including soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

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."

Holly was forced to pull out of This Morning filming on Thursday at the last minute after police told ITV bosses of the alleged kidnap plan. It is not known when she will return to the programme.

On Friday's episode of This Morning Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond sent their love to Holly.

Dermot 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. He has now been charged by Essex Police."

Alison added: "We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family."

Read more here.

This Morning's Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond break silence on alleged kidnap plot

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary have shared their support to Holly Willoughby and sent out "big hugs" after police uncovered an alleged kidnap and murder plot against the presenter.

Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary sent their love to Holly (ITV)

Addressing Holly's alleged kidnap plot, Alison said: "We're obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family."

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field Harlow has been charged with 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.

Read more here.

Prime Minister's message to Holly Willoughby

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appeared on This Morning today and shared a message to Holly Willoughby after the news of the kidnap plot.

He said: "Before we get going, I was going to say I'm so sorry to hear about everything that is going on with Holly. I wanted to send my best to her and her family and to all of you."

Dermot replied: "Thank you, we appreciate that," as Alison added: "And she will appreciate that as well."

Read more here.

Man charged over Holly Willoughby kidnap plot

A man has been charged over an alleged plot to kindap This Morning star Holly Willoughby.

Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field Harlow has been charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today.

He was arrested by Essex Police on Wednesday evening.

Detective Superintendent 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.”

Read more here.

Lorraine Kelly reaches out to Holly Willoughby

Lorraine Kelly reached out to Holly Willoughby on Friday after the This Morning presenter was forced to pull out of hosting Thursday's show following a kidnap threat.

Lorraine reached out to Holly with a supportive message

Speaking on her live ITV morning programme on Friday, Lorraine said: "Very upsetting and of course we're sending her all of our love and best wishes thats a terrible thing to go through."

Read more here.

Holly under 'round-the-clock' police guard

The TV presenter was taken off of This Morning hosting duties after police told This Morning bosses of the alleged plot to kidnap the star.

The star's London home, which she shares with her husband and three children, is said to be under "around-the-clock police guard".

She is said to have been left "shocked and distraught" over the alleged plot.