Friends say Holly Willoughby is ‘in bits’ following the arrest of a guy accused of plotting to kidnap and murder her.
On Friday (October 5), it was revealed that a shopping centre security officer had been remanded in jail in connection with an alleged plot against the 42-year-old This Morning broadcaster.
Gavin Plumb is accused of soliciting the murder of David Nelson and inciting him to conduct kidnapping between October 2 and 5 in Harlow, Essex.
ITV executives were informed of the 36-year-old’s alleged scheme on Thursday morning, prompting Holly to cancel her presenting gig at the last minute, according to The Sun.
The channel is now claimed to be providing round-the-clock security for the Dancing On Ice host, who also has police support and protection at her home.
Speaking about the horrific event, ITV insiders have now recounted her reaction when her ‘regular’ life changed forever on Wednesday when she learnt of the kidnapping plan ahead of her scheduled appearance on This Morning the next day.
According to insiders, the daytime star was ‘in tatters’ when This Morning mainstays Alison Hammond and Josie Gibson were quickly brought in to head the programme instead, with Dermot O’Leary joining Alison on Friday.
Those close to Holly say she was ‘shaken,’ ‘petrified’ and ‘unable to take in’ what had happened.
A friend told MailOnline: ‘Holly couldn’t believe that she got up one morning and that’s how the day went.
‘It is absolutely awful, it’s difficult to find the words.’
Another friend told the publication: ‘There have been several stages of this, which have shocked Holly more as she learned more.
‘Thursday was not a good day for her.
‘It was frightening and distressing as she learned the breakdown of the accusations.’
They added: ‘It terrified her.’
Holly is said to be relying on her husband, producer Dan Baldwin, and their three children, Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, nine.
A friend added: ‘They are what is most important to her.’
The close pal also admitted that there could even be conversations had about Holly stepping away from the public eye for some time, given how the alleged threat poses a serious risk to the safety of Holly and her family.
‘Sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it, does it?’, a source said sadly.
Holly’s ITV colleagues have spoken out in the light of the devastating revelation.
While Holly has yet to comment, Lorraine Kelly stated on her Friday morning programme that the situation was “very, very upsetting.”
She added: ‘Of course, we are sending Holly all of our love and best wishes, that is a terrible thing to be having to go through for her and her family.’
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed the subject on This Morning, telling Alison and Dermot he was’so sad to hear everything going on with Holly.’
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.’
District Judge Caroline Jackson remanded the suspect, who is from Harlow, into jail.
He just spoke in court today to prove his identity.
A plea hearing has been scheduled on November 3 at Chelmsford Crown Court.
