POLICE fear an alleged plot to kidnap and kill TV presenter Holly Willoughby may have been planned for next week.
Officers reportedly found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes that they believe could be part of a “kidnapping and binding kit.”
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Police fear a plot to kidnap Holly Willoughby is planned as early as next weekCredit: Rex
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Gavin Plumb has been charged with solicitation to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnappingCredit: BBC
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Plumb was arrested and taken to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court before being remanded in custodyCredit: East News
A security guard accused of plotting the kidnapping and murder of a This Morning star appeared in court yesterday as it emerged police believe he tried to recruit a hitman in the US to carry out the plan.
Gavin Plumb, 36, is charged with solicitation to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnapping.
The 35-year-old father-of-two appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court wearing a green T-shirt with the slogan “Aged to Perfection”.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked.
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Officers reportedly found chloroform and other items at Plumb’s home in Harlow, Essex.
The police raid on Wednesday night came shortly after the Metropolitan Police were tipped off about the alleged plot.
Prosecutor, Shefa Begum told the court: “In this case, he made detailed plans with another person to abduct and kill.
“He organized flights and transfers to commit these offenses.”
Police suspect the alleged plot may have involved arranging for a man living in the US – possibly the killer – to travel to the UK next week.
Plumb was refused bail by District Judge Caroline Jackson and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
He worked at the Pinnacles shopping center in Harlow, Essex, after previously having to quit jobs at Pizza Hut and McDonald’s because of his weight.
In 2018, he appeared in a BBC News feature on weight loss in 2018, where he admitted he reached 35st after gorging on junk food and drinking 36 pints of Coke a week.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live Afternoon Edition: “The last time I went out unaided was in 2014.
“My weight has always fluctuated. At my heaviest, I was 35 and a half stone.
“Once the pounds started piling on, that’s when my mental health really took a nosedive.
“It’s a vicious circle. When I’m depressed, I eat – and when I eat, I’m depressed. It was hard for me to walk around for a long time.
“But when I got to the point where I couldn’t get out, it really crept up on me. I hate sitting inside. I hate looking at the same four walls 24/7. I hate being that size.
“I’m in a lot of pain everywhere. My chest hurts and I was just told it was because of my weight.
“I’m afraid if I eat something or if I get up and do too much, that’s it, I’m done.”
This Morning presenter Holly, 42, has been under round-the-clock surveillance since details of the alleged plot emerged, with officers stationed outside the London home she shares with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.
ITV is also seen as providing security and support.
Holly has yet to make a statement to police, according to Evelyn Hicks, who defended Plumb in court.
This Morning bosses were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due to appear.
On yesterday’s show, regular Friday presenter Dermot O’Leary said: “We won’t talk too much about it, but Holly is making headlines after police arrested a 36-year-old man for an alleged kidnapping plot.”
His co-host Alison Hammond said: “Obviously we are all shocked to hear the news and want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also briefly addressed the case when he appeared on the show, saying: “Before we go, I’m very sorry to hear everything that’s going on with Holly.
“I just wanted to send my best to her and her family, as well as to all of you.”
Holly’s ITV co-star Lorraine Kelly addressed the story on her Lorraine programme, saying it was “very, very disturbing”.
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Father-of-two Plumb wore a green T-shirt as he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address in courtCredit: PA
She added: “Of course we send Holly all our love and best wishes. It’s a terrible thing for her and her family to have to go through.”
An ITV spokesman said: “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 difficult time.”
Tim Tubbs, from Essex Police, said: “This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges.”
He added: “The protection of any victim is paramount and we will continue to make this a priority as the investigation progresses.”
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Plumb previously appeared on a BBC feature about his weight loss struggles.
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Extra protection has been provided around Holly Willoughby’s home amid threats.
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also briefly addressed the case when he appeared on This MorningCredit: Rex
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Holly Willoughby did not appear on This Morning and is spending time with her familyCredit: Getty
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