Holly's celeb pals reach out

A host of famous names show their support for TV presenter Holly Willoughby as her alleged stalker stands trial in court

- Shelley Spadoni

It has no doubt been a difficult time for Holly Willoughby as she has been forced to relive the nightmare of a terrifying kidnap plot. But as alleged stalker Gavin Plumb began his trial in Chelmsford Crown Courtlast week, Holly had the backing of many well-wishers.

It emerged last October that the TV presenter had been the subject of a plot to kidnap her. And just a week later, Holly, 43, a much-loved mainstay of ITV’s This Morning for many years, announced she was quitting the show “for me and my family”.

“I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning,” she posted on 10 October. She added, “It’s been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”

Gavin Plumb, 37, has been in custody since October 2023 and has been charged with soliciting murder, as well as incitement to commit a kidnapping between 2 and 5 October in Harlow, Essex. Plumb denies two charges of plotting to kidnap and rape between December 2021 and October 2023.

During the trial it has emerged that police officers discovered millions of images of women including Holly and other female celebrities on his electronic devices, Chelmsford Crown Court heard.