How man, 36, ‘who plotted to kidnap’ Holly Willoughby was snared after ‘sinister messages found and phone seized’
A 36-YEAR-old man who allegedly plotted to kidnap Holly Willoughby was snared after sinister messages were reportedly found on his seized phone.
This Morning star Holly pulled out of today’s show after learning of the alleged threat, and is now under a round-the-clock police guard.
The man, who is not known to the star, is in custody after he was arrested at his flat in Harlow, Essex yesterday.
Cops allegedly found “sinister messages” threatening to kidnap and “seriously harm” the mum of three.
It is unclear how police became aware of the alleged plot – but it is understood digital devices and a mobile phone were seized.
A source said: “Investigations are continuing but police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly.
“There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her.”
One neighbour in Harlow said: “I saw him being led out of his flat in handcuffs last night at about nine o’clock.”
Another added: “The police car has been there all day. Earlier on there was a forensics van.”
Cops alerted This Morning bosses to the alleged plot first thing today.
Holly was informed shortly before she was due on air.
She was left “shocked and distraught” and it was decided she should pull out of the show.
Alison Hammond was called in as a last-minute replacement alongside Josie Gibson, who co-hosted yesterday’s show with Holly.
Viewers were left baffled as Josie skirted round her absence, saying: “Look who’s joined me.
“It’s only the one and only Alison Hammond.”
Alison then joked about being “jealous” of her and Holly.
Holly had been due to celebrate her TV producer husband Daniel Baldwin’s 49th birthday with their children, Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and eight-year-old Chester.