Holly Willoughby ‘in constant contact’ with ITV over ‘kidnap plot’ as bosses address when This Morning host will return

HOLLY Willoughby is said to be in constant contact with ITV bosses after a man was accused of plotting to kidnap and murder her.

Gavin Plumb, 36, appeared in court on Friday over the “detailed plan” after police swooped on his Essex home two days prior.

ITV bosses have today said they're in constant contact with Holly Willoughby — ITV bosses have today said they’re in constant contact with Holly WilloughbyCredit: Rex

Gavin Plumb appeared in court last week accused of plotting to kidnap and murder the This Morning hostCredit: BBC

The 35-stone father of two was arrested after cops got a tip-off about his alleged plans, which were said to have involved a US “hitman”.

ITV bosses have today given an update on the This Morning presenter’s future at the company after Holly stepped back from her TV work and missed an awards event at the weekend.

In an email sent out to staff, and seen by The Sun, the ITV Daytime managing director said they were supporting Holly as much as they could through the “distressing time”.

Boss Emma Gormley said she knew many staff had also been “deeply affected” by the news of the alleged plot.

She said many would be wondering when the host would return, but that at this stage they were focusing on the “safety and wellbeing” of Holly and her family.

Ms Gormley’s email read: “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.”

It is understood that officers found chloroform, cable ties, a blindfold and ropes at Plumb’s home when they raided it last week.

They believed this could have been part of a “kidnap and restraint kit”.

It emerged cops also believe Plumb tried to recruit a “hitman” in the US to carry out the plot.

Officers thought the “hitman” was set to travel to the UK to carry out the plan as early as next week.

After swooping on Plumb’s home, police charged him with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Holly was quickly put under round-the-clock surveillance when details of the alleged plot emerged.

Police officers have been stationed outside the London home she shares with husband Dan Baldwin and their three children.

Bosses at This Morning were alerted to the alleged plot on Thursday morning and the presenter decided to pull out shortly before she was due on air.

The next day Plumb appeared in 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.

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.”

Plumb was denied bail by district judge Caroline Jackson and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.

Holly's future on the telly remains up in the air — Holly’s future on the telly remains up in the airCredit: Getty

Plumb, 36, is said to have tried to hire a US 'hitman' to undertake his plans — Plumb, 36, is said to have tried to hire a US ‘hitman’ to undertake his plansCredit: PA

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