A top morning news anchor in the UK was promptly pulled from the air on Thursday after police uncovered an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the star reporter.
Holly Willoughby, 42, was shocked and distraught when Metropolitan police told her of 36-year-old Gavin Plumbs plot just moments before she was set to go on air on “This Morning” Thursday, according to The Sun.
She remained off the air on Friday and was placed under police protection outside the London home she shares with her husband and three children.
A motive for the alleged kidnapping and murder plot is unclear, as authorities say Willoughby did not personally know Plumb who is set to appear in court on Friday on charges of soliciting to murder and kidnap.
He was arrested at his home, where police allegedly found sinister messages threatening to kidnap and seriously harm the presenter.
It is believed the police have now seized the suspects phone and other devices, as a police vehicle remains outside his apartment.
This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges, Det. Supt. Rob Kirby said in a statement to the Telegraph. 3 Holly Willoughby, 42, was said to be “shocked and distraught” when she learned of the alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.SplashNews.com
The safeguarding of any victims is paramount and we will continue to prioritize this work with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds, he added.
A spokesperson for ITV also told the Guardian: This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV.
We are providing all the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time. 3 Willougby is now under police protection at the London home she shares with her husband and three children.
Speaking about the incident on air Friday, Lorraine Kelly, Willoughbys colleague, said it was very, very upsetting.
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.
Even UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who appeared on the morning show Friday, offered his support to the news anchor. 3 Willoughby was promptly removed from the ITV studio Thursday morning, just moments before she was set to appear on air.Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Before we get going, I was going to say Im so sorry to hear about everything that is going on with Holly, he said.
I wanted to send my best to her and her family, and to all of you.
The anchors who took over for Willoughby responded that they appreciate his message of support.
