Holly Willoughby breaks silence on horrific kidnap and murder plot after ‘tough’ 16 months since arrest
Holly Willoughby broke down in tears during her first interview since a man was jailed for plotting to kidnap and murder her, describing the past 18 months as “tough” with “no way of sugar-coating it.”
The 43-year-old presenter spoke candidly to The Times about her ordeal, which led to her sudden departure from This Morning in October 2023.
“Nothing can prepare you for something like that,” Willoughby said, her voice breaking as she discussed the impact of the plot that forced her to leave her long-running ITV role.
The emotional interview marks Willoughby’s first detailed account of events since Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years for masterminding a plan to kidnap, rape and murder her.
“I wouldn’t wish what happened to me on anybody at all,” she told the publication, struggling to maintain composure as she reflected on the life-changing events.
When asked if she considered remaining anonymous about the kidnap plot, Willoughby was adamant: “No, it wasn’t an option. For me, it’s just not an option.”
The presenter became emotional during the interview when discussing her decision to waive anonymity, briefly unable to speak when the topic was raised.
“You have to decide, I can take this on board and it can absolutely affect all aspects of my life, or I can make a choice to go, let’s focus on everything that’s positive and good,” she explained.
Willoughby emphasised her support network during the ordeal: “I’m healthy and I’m happy. I’ve got a wonderful husband and children and family, I’ve got great friends.”
She spoke of finding strength in relying on others: “You have to go: I choose to positively move forward and rely on all those people – the police, the court, the judge, the jury – all those people to do their role.”
Plumb, a 36-year-old former security guard, was arrested on October 4, 2023, after police uncovered his plot targeting Willoughby.
He had contacted a man in America to assist with his plan, unaware the individual was an undercover police officer.
The court heard Plumb had assembled a kidnap and restraint kit and had more than a million images of women on his devices, including 10,322 of Willoughby.
Mr Justice Edward Murray, who sentenced Plumb in July 2024, said the security guard’s plans were “considerably more than a fantasy.”
“Your plan was hopelessly unrealistic for a number of reasons – including your poor physical health – but you clearly thought it was feasible,” the judge told Plumb.
The plans were deemed so “horrifying, shocking and graphic in detail” that they couldn’t be discussed in open court.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC told the court the impact had been “life-changing” for Willoughby, with “catastrophic” consequences for both her private and professional life.
Since leaving This Morning, Willoughby has gradually returned to television, resuming her role as host of ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
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Next month, she will front Netflix’s new reality competition series Celebrity Bear Hunt, which sees stars including Mel B and Boris Becker trying to survive in the Costa Rican jungle.
The presenter reflected on how recent changes have brought unexpected benefits: “I’ve spent a long time not being able to take my kids to school… But there have been so many assemblies I haven’t been able to go to, so many things I’ve missed.”
“Harry is doing his GCSEs at the moment, this is his last year of school before he goes off to college,” she told The Times, expressing gratitude for this period of adjustment.
Willoughby maintains that stepping away from This Morning was “really simple and easy,” focusing instead on moving forward positively.
“A lot of the change has been really good,” she said, embracing her evolving career and family life.