Holly Willoughby murder plot: man found guilty

An Essex man has been found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder former ‘This Morning’ presenter Holly Willoughby.

According to the BBCChelmsford Crown Court heard that 37-year-old security guard Gavin Plumb planned to carry out ‘highly sexual violence’ against Willoughby to fulfill an ‘ultimate fantasy’. He was arrested and charged in October after disclosing his plans to an undercover US agent online.

Plumb denied the charges throughout the eight-day trial, and the BBC reported that he cried as the verdict was read out. Plumb will be sentenced on July 12.

Shortly after news of the allegations emerged, Willoughby left ITV’s ‘This Morning’ after fourteen years.

“To everyone who has worked on the show over the years, thank you very much. This is such a hard goodbye, you are incredible and I will forever be proud of what we did together,” Willoughby said in a statement on her Instagram. “Thanks to everyone at ITV for their support. To every guest who sat on our couch: thank you. Most of all, thanks to the wonderful viewers. You have been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.

She continued, “It was an honor to be a part of the story and I know this story has many chapters to go. Unfortunately, however, I now feel like I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”

‘This Morning’ has had a difficult year, with Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield resigning in May after admitting he had an affair with a younger member of the show’s staff.