Holly Willoughby is on ‘indefinite leave’ from This Morning after ‘kidnap plot’ hell
HOLLY Willoughby is on “indefinite leave” from This Morning in the wake of the alleged plot to kidnap her.
The 42-year-old star is said to be “distraught” after learning of the alleged plot.
Holly has been under round-the-clock surveillance since details of the alleged plot emerged.
Police officers have been stationed outside the London home she shares with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.
ITV are also understood to be providing security and support.
Holly was informed shortly before she was due on air.
She was left “shocked and distraught” and it was decided she should pull out of the show.
Alison Hammond was called in as a last-minute replacement alongside Josie Gibson, who co-hosted Wednesday’s show with Holly.
Gavin Plumb, 36, yesterday appeared in court after police swooped on his Essex home earlier this week.
Chelmsford Magistrates Court heard on Friday that Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, had allegedly put together a plan to kidnap and kill the TV star.
Officers were understood to have found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes at Plumb’s home when they raided it.
They believed this could have been part of a “kidnap and restraint kit”.
It emerged cops also believe Plumb tried to recruit a hitman in the US to carry out the plot.
It is believed ITV bosses have allowed Holly to remain off work for as long as is needed following the shocking revelations.
A source told The Mirror: “Holly has been left distraught by the news. 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.”
After swooping on Plumb’s home, police charged him with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.
Plumb spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked when he appeared in court.
He was denied bail by district judge Caroline Jackson and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
Bosses at This Morning were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due on air.
On the show yesterday, regular Friday presenter 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.”