Holly Willoughby has disclosed how a conspiracy to assassinate her affected her, stating “nothing can prepare you for something like that”.
In July of the previous year, security personnel Gavin Plumb, then 37 years old, was convicted of conspiring to kidnap, rape, and murder the British television personality.
Legal representatives indicated that he was fixated on the then This Morning anchor, who departed the ITV program after 14 years in October 2023 following his apprehension.
The 43-year-old media figure relinquished her right to confidentiality concerning the accusations against Plumb.
Gavin Plumb. Pic: Essex Police/PA
He received a life sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court with a minimum period of 16 years.
In a recent discussion with The Sunday Times, Willoughby remarked about the previous year: “It’s been a challenging one. There’s no way to sugar-coat it.”
She also mentioned that one must “determine whether to absorb this experience, allowing it to impact all areas of my life, or choose to concentrate on everything that is positive and valuable, all those significant factors”.
“I am healthy and content,” she added.
‘Positively progressing forward’
“I have a wonderful husband and children, a supportive family, and great friends. One must resolve to positively advance and depend on all those individuals – the police, the court, the judge, the jury – everyone to fulfill their duties. And that is what I had to do.”
Willoughby further stated that she never anticipated that she would break down since it was “not an alternative”, and that “so many individuals endure adverse situations, they simply do”.
She expressed that it was “astonishingly straightforward and effortless” to step away from This Morning. She also noted her certainty in returning to television, mentioning that it would “be foolish” not to consider financial aspects of working in the industry.
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Holly Willoughby plotter sentenced to life in jail
Read further:
How Plumb transitioned from ‘quiet hermit’ to ‘imminent danger’
Security guard’s social media profile unveils fixation
Authorities indicated that Plumb had combed through social platforms and online material, collecting thousands of images of the celebrity and acquiring extensive knowledge of her movements and activities.
However, Plumb – who had prior convictions for kidnapping and attempted kidnapping of women – possessed a malicious and violent nature and initiated plans to abduct, assault, and kill the television host.
During Plumb’s proceedings, an undercover US officer informed the jury that he believed Plumb posed an “imminent threat” to the presenter after encountering him on a Kik messaging group titled “Abduct Lovers”.
Holly Willoughby is a former presenter on This Morning
Plumb stated in messages he aimed to target Willoughby in a “home invasion”, intending to use chloroform to incapacitate her and her spouse, TV producer Dan Baldwin, before restraining them, abducting her, and subjecting her to repeated assault.
He circulated a video of his “kidnap kit” with the officer, who informed Plumb he would fly from New York to assist him in executing the scheme, before notifying the FBI and UK police, who subsequently raided his apartment in Harlow, Essex.
Following Plumb’s sentencing, Willoughby asserted that women “should not feel threatened while going about our everyday lives and in our own homes”.
In a declaration at that time, the television personality also expressed gratitude to the undercover US police officer who helped thwart the conspiracy.
She stated: “I will always be thankful to the undercover police officer who recognized the imminent danger, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their prompt action.
“Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the jury members, and all parties involved in this case for ensuring that justice was served and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women.
“I would also like to applaud the courage of his prior victims for coming forward at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been achievable.”
