Holly Willoughby blasts factually ‘incorrect’ title for tasteless documentary about kidnap ordeal

Channel 5 is reportedly set to air a documentary detailing the horrific case

Holly Willoughby blasts factually ‘incorrect’ title for tasteless documentary about kidnap ordeal
Holly Willoughby has reportedly blasted a factually ‘incorrect’ title for a documentary about her kidnap ordeal (Picture: Shutterstock/PA)

Holly Willoughby is reportedly clashing with Channel 5 over a documentary which is set to detail a plot to kidnap and murder her.

Security guard Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison in July 2024 after his plot to kidnap, rape and murder the former This Morning presenter, 43, which left her with a ‘life changing’ impact.

According to reports, Channel 5 is set to air a documentary detailing the horrific case which led to Holly taking a break from her ITV presenting roles.

The Sun reports that Holly has ‘objected’ to the name of the programme, which is reportedly called Stalking Holly Willoughby.

The presenter is also said to have concerns that the events will be ‘dramatised’ and will bring back ‘horrendous’ memories.

Holly has reportedly ‘objected’ to the name of the programme (Picture: WireImage)

A source 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 she wasn’t technically stalked so their title is incorrect.

‘There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect.

‘It’s an awkward move, as it’s not their story to tell.

Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison in July 2024 after his plot to kidnap, rape and murder the former This Morning presenter (Picture: ESSEX POLICE)

‘It will bring back a lot of the horrendous memories for entertainment purposes when she’s just trying to move on with her life.’

Last year Gavin Plumb was jailed for life with a minimum of 16 years after being unanimously convicted of soliciting murder and inciting rape and kidnap following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The 37-year-old was snared after a US undercover police officer infiltrated an online group called Abduct Lovers and became so concerned about Plumb’s posts that evidence was passed to the FBI.

US law enforcement in turn contacted police in the UK, and when Essex Police officers raided Plumb’s flat in Harlow they found bottles of chloroform and an ‘abduction kit’ complete with cable ties.

Holly took a break from TV following the horrific ordeal (Picture: Kieron McCarron/ITV/Shutterstock)

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said Holly wished for her victim personal statement to be private but said it set out the ‘catastrophic impact of these offences’.

Holly later issued a statement, saying: ‘As women we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own home.’

Thanking the undercover police and the Crown Prosecution Service ‘for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women’, she went on: ‘I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery this conviction may not have been possible.’

Metro has contacted representatives for Holly Willoughby and Channel 5.

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