18 November 2023 , 08:00
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Shirley Ballas revealed she doesn't go out alone late at night after a terrifying alleged kidnap plot incident with Holly Willoughby.
Gavin Plumb, 36, was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the TV star between October 2 and October 5. This Morning presenter Holly, 42, later quit her role as lead presenter on the show and released a heartfelt statement for her fans. She said: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.
"It's been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together.
"Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you," she continued. "Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day." Following the alleged plot and Holly's departure from This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley revealed she has been 'cautious' about stepping out at night.
Shirley says she doesn't leave the house alone at night (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)She spoke about being trolled so badly, that she was afraid to go out. Speaking about not leaving the house, she said to Best Magazine: "That was more last year and I'm in a better place now. I am still cautious, particularly with what's just happened to Holly Willoughby, which is awful. I feel for her. I don't go out on my own late at night."
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The Strictly judge previously opened up about being afraid to leave the house after trolls sent her photos of herself lying in a coffin and wishing her dead. Shirley said things got so bad during last year's series that she would be left shaken by death threats over her scoring on the show.
Increasingly violent and sexual messages left her staying inside and it became so difficult she ended up seeing a doctor. Shirley opened up about her fears and experience on new ITVX documentary Olivia Attwood vs The Trolls. “It’s when it is personal about myself and my family and it affects my mental health. I am not just talking about your phone," she said.
"I am talking about being in public. You worry about those same strange people that write these kinds of messages. Are they lurking in dark corners? Are they hiding behind walls when you go somewhere? Sometimes at night, I lie there and wonder, Are they suffering? Are they lonely?
"Is it funny to them? This whole experience has made me much more vigilant. I cannot say that I leave my front door unless I am on point. I never relax. It has changed my life completely I would say.”