Channel 5 are set to air a documentary on the kidnap and murder plot of Holly Willoughby, despite the former This Morning star refusing to be involved with the project
ITV’s much-loved presenter Holly Willoughby is reportedly upset after learning that Channel 5 is proceeding with a documentary concerning Gavin Plumb’s alarming plot to abduct and kill her, even though she declined any involvement.
The previous host of This Morning also took issue with the programme’s title, ‘Stalking Holly Willoughby’, arguing it was not only a painful reminder of past events but also inaccurate since she wasn’t actually pursued by Plumb.
Plumb, an infatuated security guard, in 2023 conspired to kidnap, assault and murder the then-44 year old presenter of Dancing on Ice. While she was live on ITV’s popular morning show This Morning, a serious threat emerged, prompting her immediate removal by security for her own safety.
The traumatic incident led to Willoughby eventually leaving the show, reports the Mirror.
An inside source revealed to The Sun how Willoughby feels about the forthcoming documentary: “Holly isn’t involved in the documentary at all, but producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless. They know it’ll be a ratings hit to detail the gory specifics of the case.”
“She declined to be interviewed by producers about the ordeal and her reps informed Channel 5 she wasn’t technically stalked so their title is incorrect. There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect.”
The Channel 5 move was also labelled “awkward” by the insider, who added it was “not their story to tell”. This could potentially dredge up “horrendous memories” for Holly as she tries to rebuild her life.
Manchester Evening News have reached out to Holly and Channel 5 for comment.
In January, Holly reflected on the plot as she told The Times: “It’s been a tough one. There’s no way of sugar-coating it.”
She continued: “Nothing can prepare you for something like that. When something like that happens, you have a decision to make.”
She then elaborated on those decisions: “You either decide, right, I can take this on board and it can absolutely affect all aspects of my life. Or I can make a choice to go, let’s focus on everything that’s positive and good, all those important things.”
Despite the experience, Holly revealed she has bounced back. “I’m healthy and I’m happy. I’ve got a wonderful husband and children and family, I’ve got great friends. You have to go: I choose to positively move forward and rely on all those people – the police, the court, the judge, the jury – all those people to do their role. And that’s what I had to do.”