Holly Willoughby Target of Kidnap and Murder Plot

A man has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder TV star Holly Willoughby.

Gavin Plumb (36), from Harlow in Essex, is now in custody after an arrest on Wednesday and is due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates Court today.

The charges involve soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby of Essex and Kent serious crime directorate 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."

The TV presenter was unexpectedly absent on Thursday from her usual role on ITV’s This Morning programme after she was notified of the situation.

Ms Willoughby, her husband and their three children are now understood to be under police protection.

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."

Her fellow This Morning presenter Dermot O'Leary told viewers earlier today:

"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. He has now been charged by Essex Police."

Presenter Alison Hammond added:

"We are obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family."