Holly Willoughby kidnap: This Morning star ‘under police guard’ as man, 36, charged with soliciting murder

Police have confirmed that a 36-year-old man has been charged for soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap against This Morning star Holly Willoughby

Essex Police confirmed that Gavin Plumb was arrested on Wednesday evening (4 September) "as part of an ongoing investigation". Willoughby is reportedly under a police guard at her home in London after officers allegedly found “sinister messages” threatening to kidnap and seriously harm the 42-year-old according to The Sun.

The mother-of-three was noticeably absent from ITV’s flagship show, This Morning on Thursday (October 5) after the sinister plot to kidnap the star was foiled by police. Police cars and forensics were said to be surrounding the man’s flat in Harlow, Essex, as they searched the scene for evidence. A round-the-clock guard has now been put in place at Willoughby’s residence, where she lives with her husband and children.

Friday's This Morning hosts mentioned the case on the show. Dermot O'Leary said: "We're not going to talk too much about it but we have to start with a story about one of our own. Holly is on the front pages this morning after police arrested a 36-year-old man over an alleged kidnap plot. He has now been charged by Essex Police."

Co-host Alison Hammond added: "We were obviously all shocked to hear the news and we want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family." Gyles Brandreth, a guest on the show, added: "A big hug to Holly. It’s a rough, tough world at times."

Lorraine Kelly sent her ‘love and best wishes’ to Holly during her own programme earlier in the morning, saying: "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."

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."

Superintendent Tim Tubbs of Essex Police 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 as the investigation proceeds.”

Willoughby was informed of the situation just before she was due to go on air on Thursday and was said to have been left “shocked and distraught”. Host Josie Gibson kicked off yesterday morning's show saying: “Look who’s joined me. It’s only the one and only Alison Hammond.”

Plumb remains in custody. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today (6 October).