Holly Willoughby breaks silence on kidnapping plan in lengthy statement

Holly Willoughby has broken her silence over the kidnap plot against her after a security guard was found guilty today. Gavin Plumb, 37, was found guilty of masterminding a terrifying plot to abduct, rape and kill the former This Morning star.

The court heard he had planned to abduct her from her home using chloroform before transporting her to a “dungeon” to hold her. He was found guilty of solicitation to murder, incitement to kidnap and incitement to rape and broke down in tears as the verdict was delivered.

Plumb will be sentenced on July 12. Following the verdict, Holly, 43, who waived her right to anonymity during the proceedings, has now shared her thoughts on the harrowing ordeal.

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The ITV star wrote: “As women we should not feel unsafe in our daily lives and in our own homes. I am eternally grateful to the undercover officer who recognised the immediate danger, and to the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police for their swift response.

“My gratitude extends to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Right Honourable Judge Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the jury and everyone involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the offender could not harm any more women.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the courage of his former victims who came forward at the time. Without their courage, this conviction may not have been possible.”

The court heard that Plumb had several previous convictions for unlawful confinement and attempted abduction of women, including two 16-year-old girls.