Holly Willoughby left reeling as Channel 5 ‘plough ahead’ with documentary about plot to kidnap and murder her

By documenting the ordeal in a documentary Holly declined to participate in, Channel 5 are reportedly planning to sift through “horrendous memories” of the foiled kidnap and murder plot.

ITV sweetheart Holly Willoughby has been left reeling after broadcaster Channel 5 decided to plough ahead with a documentary about Gavin Plumb’s plot to kidnap and murder her – despite her refusal to take part.

The former This Morning star also objected to show bosses calling the documentary ‘Stalking Holly Willoughby’ which as well as dredging up traumatic memories for the star – is also factually incorrect, as she was never actually stalked.

The 44 year old Dancing on Ice presenter was targeted by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb back in 2023, who planned to kidnap, rape and murder her. Faced with a credible threat while live on air presenting ITV ’s flagship morning show This Morning, Holly was whisked away to safety by security – and later stepped away from the show completely in the wake of the harrowing ordeal.

Lifting the lid on Holly’s thoughts about the upcoming documentary, an insider told The Sun : “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 that their title is inaccurate because she wasn’t technically stalked. Additionally, there is concern that the events will have an effect that will create a sensational dramatization. ”

Further stating that the source was only trying to move on with her life, Holly continued to criticize Channel 5 for its “awkward” move and insisted that it was not their story to tell. ”

The Mirror have reached out to Holly and Channel 5 for comment.

Plumb, 37, from Harlow in Essex, was successfully apprehended by police after revealing his plot in an online chatroom. He was jailed for at least 16 years last July.

Reflecting on her ordeal in January 2025, Holly told The Times : “It’s been a tough one. There’s no way of sugar-coating it.”

Nothing can make that kind of thing happen. You must make a decision when something similar occurs.

You can choose to accept that, and I can take it into consideration in every way possible. Or I can choose to leave and concentrate on all those positive and positive things. ”

Source: Mirror