Television presenter Holly Willoughby has refused to participate in a Channel 5 documentary about the terrifying kidnap and murder plot that left her traumatised.
The former This Morning host has reportedly objected to the programme’s title, “Stalking Holly Willoughby,” which explores the sinister plan orchestrated by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb.
A chilling plot that shocked the nation
Plumb, a former security officer, had devised a horrific scheme to break into Willoughby’s London home at night, intending to use chloroform to render both her and her husband, Dan Baldwin, unconscious.
His plan involved kidnapping the 43-year-old and holding her captive in an isolated location he chillingly referred to as “death row”. Plumb then planned to record his actions on tape before carrying out his final gruesome act of murder.
Despite being sentenced to life in prison, the case continues to cast a shadow over Willoughby’s life.
Holly’s firm stance against the documentary
Sources suggest that Channel 5 producers are pushing ahead with the documentary regardless of Willoughby’s explicit refusal to participate.
An insider told The Sun:
“Producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless because they know it will be a ratings hit.”
Willoughby has declined to be interviewed, and her representatives have raised strong objections to the programme’s title, arguing that she was not technically stalked, making the description inaccurate.
The insider added:
“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.”
The presenter is believed to be deeply unsettled by the production, fearing that it will reopen painful memories for the sake of entertainment.
“It will bring back horrendous memories for entertainment purposes when she is just trying to move on with her life,” the source added.
Stepping away from the spotlight
Following the chilling revelations of Plumb’s plot, Willoughby made the difficult decision to step down from This Morning after 14 years. The immense psychological toll of the case reportedly played a significant role in her departure.
Brutality reflected in sentencing
During sentencing, Mr Justice Edward Murray described Plumb’s plan as “particularly brutal and degrading”, leading to concurrent life sentences with a minimum term of 16 years for each of his three offences.
Despite his defence claiming that his severe obesity would have prevented him from carrying out the attack, the judge dismissed this argument, stating:
“It’s fortunate you didn’t succeed in finding one or more others who were physically more able.”
Plumb remained expressionless as his sentence was read out, but after hearing the words “take him down”, he muttered:
“Fifteen years to kill myself.”
Many of the gruesome details of his meticulously planned attack were deemed too depraved to be reported by the media, with insiders stating they had a “catastrophic” and “life-changing” impact on Ms Willoughby.
Holly’s powerful response to the verdict
Following Plumb’s conviction, Willoughby released an emotional and empowering statement, thanking those involved in ensuring justice was served.
She said:
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“As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes.”
She expressed immense gratitude to the police and legal teams, particularly commending the undercover officer who first recognised the imminent danger.
“I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat, and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response.”
She also praised the bravery of Plumb’s previous victims, acknowledging their courage in coming forward.
“Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible.”
An ethical dilemma for channel 5?
The decision by Channel 5 to proceed with the documentary despite Willoughby’s clear objections raises questions about the ethics of true-crime broadcasting.
While audiences have a keen interest in crime documentaries, critics argue that dramatising real-life trauma for entertainment crosses a moral boundary—especially when the victim does not consent to their story being told.
With Willoughby keen to move on from this terrifying chapter, the broadcaster faces growing scrutiny over whether ratings should come before respect for a survivor’s wishes.
