Holly Willoughby was allegedly removed from hosting duties on This Morning only seconds before the show went live after learning of the alleged kidnapping plot against her.
As a result, Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson co-hosted Thursday’s episode.
According to reports, the police told This Morning executives about the suspected plan, and the 42-year-old celebrity was informed.
Understandably, Holly was ‘shocked and distraught’ and it was decided that she should step down from the show, The Sun reports.
Gavin Plumb, 36, was detained on Wednesday and accused with soliciting murder and inciting kidnapping.
The force said in a statement: ‘A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation.
‘The arrest was made on Wednesday, October 4. He is currently in custody.’
It was unclear how authorities learned about the suspected plan, but computer gadgets and a mobile phone were confiscated. The suspect is unknown to Holly, according to reports.
Holly’s London house, where she lives with her husband, Dan Baldwin, and their children, Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, 8, is apparently under police watch.
On today’s broadcast of This Morning, Alison, 48, and Dermot O’Leary expressed their support for Holly.
‘We’re not going to talk too much about it but we have to start with a story about one of our own.
‘Holly is on the front pages this morning after police arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged kidnap plot,’ said Dermot, 50.
‘He has now been charged by Essex Police.’
The Bake Off host added: ‘We were obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family.’
Holly’s sudden withdrawal from the performance created some consternation.
‘Just tuned in, is Holly ill or just ‘off’?’ one viewer questioned on social media.
‘Where’s Holly I missed the beginning,’ another said.
