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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Georgia Bell

Holly Willoughby 'refusing to take part in Channel 5 show about kidnap plot'

Holly Willoughby has refused to participate in a Channel 5 documentary about the terrifying planned kidnap and murder plot that targeted her.

The former This Morning presenter reportedly objected to the programme’s title, “Stalking Holly Willoughby,” which chronicles security guard Gavin Plumb’s sinister plan.

Plumb had devised a horrific scheme to break into Willoughby’s London home at night, using chloroform to render both her and her husband Dan Baldwin unconscious before carrying out his attack.

The documentary examines the obsessed security guard’s plot that left the television presenter traumatised.

Gavin Plumb, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years for hatching a plot to kidnap, rape and murder TV presenter Holly Willoughby, is seeking to appeal against his convictions and sentence (Essex Police/PA) (PA Media)

Plumb intended to take the 43-year-old captive, keep her in an isolated “dungeon” which he called “death row”, repeatedly tape her before slitting her throat and murdering her.

A source told The Sun: “Producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless' because they know it will be a 'ratings hit'.”

“She declined to be interviewed by producers about the ordeal and her reps informed Channel 5 she wasn't technically stalked so their title is incorrect.

“There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect.

“It's an awkward move, as it's not their story to tell.”

The insider expressed concerns that production will bring back “horrendous memories for entertainment purposes when she is just trying to move on with her life.”

When faced with this horrific threat, the TV presenter took the decision to step down from presenting This Morning after 14 years on air.

(ITV)

The violence of the plot was reflected in Plumb’s sentencing, which the judge said had been “particularly brutal and degrading”. He was handed concurrent life sentences with a minimum term of 16 years for each of his three offences – minus 280 days spent on remand.

Plumb maintained that his obesity made it unlikely he’d be able actually to carry out the plot, but Mr Edward Justice Murray stated: “It's fortunate you didn't succeed in finding one or more others who were physically more able.”

Plumb showed no reaction as the sentence was read out, but after hearing the words “take him down”, he muttered: “Fifteen years to kill myself.”

Plumb will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday (Elizabeth Cook/PA) (PA Wire)

Some of the details of the planned attack were Plumb's 'carefully planned' plot, so depraved and vile' that they were not reported by the media and are said to have had a 'catastrophic' and 'life-changing' impact on Ms Willoughby.

Mr Justice Murray said he had 'no doubt' the security guard's plans for Ms Willoughby were 'considerably more than a fantasy'.

After sentencing, the presenter released an empowering statement, thanking the police and legal team for bringing Plumb to justice.

She said: 'As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.

“I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.

“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.

“I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible.”

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