A prominent morning news presenter in the United Kingdom was quickly taken off the air on Thursday after police uncovered an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the star reporter.
Holly Willoughby, 42, was left “shocked and distressed” when the Metropolitan Police told her about the plot by Gavin Plumb, 36, moments before it aired on “This Morning” on 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.
Holly Willoughby, 42, was left “shocked and distressed” when the Metropolitan Police informed her of the plot moments before it aired on “This Morning”. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
The motive for the alleged kidnapping-murder plot is unclear, as authorities say Willoughby did not know Plumb, who will appear in court Friday charged with soliciting the murder and kidnapping.
He was arrested at his home, where police allegedly found “sinister messages” threatening to kidnap and “seriously harm” the presenter.
Police are believed to have confiscated the suspect’s phone and other devices as a police vehicle remains outside his apartment.
“This was an extremely rapid investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working through the night to secure these charges,” Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said in a statement to the Telegraph.
Holly Willoughby was said to be “shocked and distraught” when she learned of the alleged plot to kidnap and murder her.SplashNews.com
“The protection of victims is paramount and we will continue to prioritize this work with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation progresses,” he added.
An ITV spokesperson also told The Guardian: “This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at ‘This Morning’ and at ITV.
“We are providing all the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time.”
Willougby is under police protection at the London home she shares with her husband and three children.
Speaking about the incident on air on Friday, Willoughby’s colleague Lorraine Kelly said it was “very, very disturbing.
“Of course we send Holly all our love and best wishes – it’s a terrible thing to have to go through for her and her family.”
Even UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who appeared on the morning show on Friday, offered his support to the news presenter.
Willoughby was removed from the ITV studio on Thursday morning, moments before it went on air. Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
“Before we go any further, I was going to say that I’m so sorry to hear about everything that’s going on with Holly,” he said.
“I wanted to send my best regards to her and her family, and to all of you.”
The presenters who replaced Willoughby responded that they “appreciate” his message of support.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn