A man has been remanded in custody over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder This Morning presenter Holly Willoughby.
Gavin Plumb, a shopping centre security officer, is charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between 2 and 5 October in Harlow, Essex, when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Mr Plumb, 36, of Potters Field in Harlow, is accused of planning to assemble a “kidnap and restraint kit” and encouraging a third party to travel to Britain to carry out the alleged offences targeting the 42-year-old, who has presented the show since 2009.
Mr Plumb appeared in the dock in a green T-shirt with the slogan “Aged to Perfection” on Friday, where he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked.
The court heard Mr Plumb is alleged to have conspired online with another man and created a “detailed plan” to carry out the offences. The other man was due to arrive in the UK next week from the US, the court heard.
Gavin Plumb at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday— (PA)
It came just hours after co-hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary spoke of Willoughby’s absence from the show and expressed their support. Alison told viewers: “We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family.”
Prime minister Rishi Sunak also addressed the case when he appeared on This Morning , saying: “Before we get going, I’m so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly. I just wanted to send my best to her and her family, and to all of you.”
Willoughby’s ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly addressed the story on Friday’s episode of her programme Lorraine, saying it was “very, very upsetting”.
In a statement, Det Supt Rob Kirby 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 and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds.”
ITV is providing round-the-clock security and support for Willoughby, alongside the police.
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.”
Mr Plumb was remanded into custody by District Judge Caroline Jackson until a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on 3 November.
