An ITV boss has given an update on Holly Willoughby’s return to This Morning.
Last week, 36-year-old Gavin Plumb was arrested by police who allegedly found “sinister messages” threatening to kidnap and “seriously harm” the mum-of-three.
The presenter had been due to appear on the show on the morning of October 5, but had to pull out at the eleventh hour after being placed under 24-hour police protection.
In an email sent out to This Morning staff, seen by The UK Sun, ITV Daytime managing director revealed they were supporting Holly as much as possible through the “distressing time”.
Ms Gormley told staff: “I wanted to reassure you that throughout this distressing time, we have been in constant contact with Holly and the authorities and we are providing all the support we can.”
“Inevitably there is already speculation about when Holly will return. However, our priority right now is the safety and wellbeing of Holly and her family.”
On Friday, October 6, Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard that the man accused of plotting to kidnap the This Morning presenter allegedly contacted a hitman in the US to kill her.
According to MailOnline, Gavin Plumb, 36, is a security guard at the Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow, Essex.
It was reported that Mr Plumb was found in possession of weapons – including chloroform, cable ties and a blindfold, and had contacted a hitman in the US to kill Holly.
He spoke only to confirm his name and address.
The police raid on Wednesday night, October 4, came shortly after the Metropolitan Police had been tipped off about the alleged plot.
Prosecuting, Shefa Begum told the court: “In this matter, he’s made detailed plans with another to kidnap and murder.”
“He had arranged flights and transfers for these offences to be carried out.”
Police fear the alleged plot may have included the arrangement of a possible US-based hitman to travel to the UK next week.
Officers are said to have seized a mobile phone and electronic devices from the ground-floor flat, which he lives in alone.
Mr Plumb has been remanded in custody and will appear before the city’s crown court on November 3.
Essex Police superintendent Tim Tubbs 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 and working with the Metropolitan police service as the investigation proceeds.”
Scotland Yard are said to be watching Holly’s London home, in which she lives with her husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.
