Gavin Plumb, a 36-year-old security officer from Essex, has appeared in court facing charges of solicitation to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap in connection with an alleged plot to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby.
Willoughby, the popular host of ITV’s “This Morning,” was reported to be under police protection at her home. Plumb appeared for a short hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
Plumb is accused of soliciting, encouraging, persuading, or proposing to a third party to murder Holly Willoughby between October 3 and 4, 2023, in Harlow. Additionally, he is alleged to have formulated a plan with a third party between October 2 and 5, encouraging the third party to travel to the UK to carry out the plan.
He is also accused of assembling a kidnap and restraint kit capable of encouraging or assisting in the commission of Willoughby’s kidnapping. Plumb was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear for a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
Holly Willoughby did not appear on Thursday’s edition of “This Morning.” A spokesperson for ITV expressed shock and said they were providing support to Willoughby and her family during this distressing time.
Various presenters and public figures, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, offered their support and well wishes to Holly Willoughby and her family. The charges against Plumb follow a tumultuous period for Willoughby, who has been presenting “This Morning” since 2009.
The case involving Gavin Plumb and the alleged kidnap plot against Holly Willoughby has garnered significant attention, and further developments are expected as the legal process unfolds.
-BBC-
