Holly Willoughby on lasting impact of kidnap plot: ‘I know what real fear feels like’

| Deputy TV editor Published July 21, 2026 10:02am Updated July 21, 2026 10:02am Holly Willoughby has spoken about the impact the plot to kidnap her has had on her life (Picture: Ian West/PA Wire) Holly Willoughby has revealed how the plot to kidnap and murder her has changed her perspective on life. The former This Morning presenter, 45, has said she no longer fears public opinion or failure after learning about Gavin Plumb’s plot. Plumb, 39, had an ‘unhealthy sexual obsession’ with Willoughby and was planning on kidnapping, raping and murdering her. He was sentenced to life in prison in July 2024 with a minimum term of 16 years. Speaking to Grazia ahead of the launch of her new YouTube channel, Together, Willoughby spoke candidly about the plot’s impact on her life. ‘When something like that happens, suddenly everything else gets put into perspective, and you know what? I don’t fear what people think because I know what real fear feels like,’ she said. Holly was working on This Morning when Gavin Plumb became obsessed with her (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) Gavin Plumb was sentenced to life in prison (Picture: Essex Police) ‘This shouldn’t be scary. This should be something really enjoyable. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But you have to have a go. What’s the other option? Just sitting scared and never doing a thing again? ‘Not everybody’s going to like what you do, that’s just a fact. I’m not for everybody.’ The former Dancing on Ice star also said she’d learned she’s ‘very resilient’ following the case but was clear she won’t let it define her. Speaking about that period of her life, Willoughby said it was a ‘really difficult time’ but claimed it made her realise how life was going to ‘keep throwing challenges at her.’ So instead of letting it consume her, Willoughby says she’s treating it as another ‘lesson learned’. ‘It’s another life experience that adds another layer and makes you a bit more empathetic to other people in similar situations,’ she explained. ‘Everything in life teaches you something, and I definitely had a hard lesson to learn. I’m not going to sit here and go, “I’m so strong now”, because I’m not, but I’m stronger in many ways’ Willoughby’s new channel will launch on July 28 and will cover fashion, beauty, health and general life advice. Ahead of the launch, she said she feels ‘less pressure’ working on the project as now people will find her rather than being forced on them by TV bosses. Willoughby left This Morning in 2023 after Plumb was sentenced. ‘I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning,” she said in a statement. Holly says she’s learned a lot about herself during this ordeal (Picture: John Walton/PA Wire) ‘It’s been an honour 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.’ Before she decided to leave, Willoughby had been criticised by viewers for her long-standing relationship with co-star Phillip Schofield, who had admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger colleague. After the affair became public, Willoughby condemned Schofield, saying she was left feeling ‘shaken, troubled, let down, and worried’ about the incident.’ Together will release two episodes per week from its premiere on July 28 on YouTube, digital streaming platforms and across social media. Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: Holly Willoughby shares Romesh Ranganathan sex confession Arrow MORE: Cat Deeley can’t hide her smile on date with movie executive after Patrick Kielty split Arrow MORE: Phillip Schofield breaks two-year social media silence with surprise World Cup post TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.