An Essex man has been found guilty of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder former “This Morning” presenter Holly Willoughby.
According to the BBC, Chelmsford Crown Court ruled that 37-year-old security guard Gavin Plumb planned to carry out “highly sexualized violence” against Willoughby to fulfill an “ultimate fantasy.” He was arrested and charged in October after he disclosed his plans online to an undercover U.S. police officer.
Plumb denied the charges throughout the eight-day trial, and the BBC reported that he cried as the verdict was read. Plumb will be sentenced on July 12.
Shortly after news of the charges broke, Willoughby left ITV’s “This Morning” after 14 years.
“To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we’ve done together,” Willoughby said in a statement posted to her Instagram. “Thank you everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You’ve been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.”
She continued, “It’s been an honor to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much.”
“This Morning” has had a difficult year, with Willoughby’s former co-host Phillip Schofield resigning in May after admitting to allegations that he had an affair with a younger employee of the show.