Holly Willoughby latest as she quits This Morning after ‘kidnap and murder plot’

Here are the latest updates on Holly Willoughby after the TV presenter announced she is leaving This Morning.

The 42-year-old’s departure from the ITV daytime show comes after a man was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the media personality.

Gavin Plumb, 36, has been remanded in custody after being charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between October 2nd and 5th in Harlow, Essex.

The charges indicate the defendant is accused of planning to assemble a ‘kidnap and restraint kit’ and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences.

Bosses of the ITV show were alerted to the alleged plot last Thursday morning, October 5th, with the TV star pulling out of the show just before it was due to go live on air, it has been reported.

The broadcaster is believed to be providing care and support for the presenter alongside the police.

In a statement shared to her page on Instagram on Tuesday (October 10th), Holly wrote: “I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning.

“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together.”

Celebrities and fans write messages of support

In the wake of the shocking news, friends, co-stars and celebrities have been sending messages of support for Willoughby, a mum-of-three.

In the comments section of her Instagram post, TV star Josie Gibson wrote: “You’ve made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW.”

Alison Hammond put: “This is a very sad day! Love you.” This Morning presenter Dermott O’Leary added: “Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X.”

TV chef, James Martin typed: “Big love to you and your family see you soon and the door is always open for lunch or dinner …x.”

Presenter Laura Whitmore said: “You do what’s best for you. Look after yourself lovely Holly. You light up any screen you’re on xxx.”

Emma Kenny added: “You’re a powerhouse Holly….but you’re right, family should always come first x.” Also adding to the outpouring of love and support for the TV star, Dan Walker penned: “Wishing you all the best Holly.”

Broadcaster Susannah Reid wrote: “Sending love to you and your family Holly.” And, pop-star Emma Bunton posted: “Lots of love gorgeous girl.”

Following the shocking announcement, more than 9,000 people have commented on Willoughby’s post which has received 359,000 likes from her followers.

This Morning’s dramatic year

It has been a dramatic and turbulent year for the star and the show, after Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield left the show earlier this year after it came to light that he had been in a relationship with a much younger colleague.

The star admitted to the allegations of previously having a romantic relationship with the younger man and made a formal apology. ITV bosses say the pair ‘repeatedly denied’ having a relationship until after Schofield left the show.

An external review of the facts is currently underway.

Holly Willoughby makes decision to depart for her family

Willoughby’s three children are Belle, Harry and Chester – with husband Daniel Baldwin. The couple married in 2007. 

About leaving the longstanding TV show, Willoughby said it was an ‘honour to just be part of its story’ but that she feels ‘I have to make this decision for me and my family’. She presented This Morning for 14 years.

ITV said it is looking forward to working with Holly Willoughby ‘in the future’ following the news she is quitting This Morning.

ITV bosses release a statement in support of Willoughby

In a statement, Kevin Lygo, managing director of media and entertainment at ITV, said: “We are sad that Holly is leaving This Morning, but respect her decision which we know will have been extremely difficult for her to make.

“Holly is one of the best loved, respected and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK. She has been at the heart of This Morning for the past 14 years, and she is adored by our viewers.

“Holly has brought her unique brand of warmth, energy, humour and fun to one of the country’s most popular daytime shows, and everyone on the programme will miss her enormously.

“She remains a much loved member of the ITV family and we look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.”