AN alleged plot to kidnap and murder This Morning presenter Holly Willougby has seen a shopping centre security officer remanded in custody.

Gavin Plumb, 36, is charged with soliciting a man named David Nelson to commit murder, and incitement to commit kidnap between October 2 and 5 in Harlow.

The charges indicate the defendant is accused of planning to assemble a “kidnap and restraint kit” and encouraging a third party to travel to the UK to carry out the alleged offences.

Plumb appeared in the dock in Chelmsford’s Magistrates Court on October 6 and the court heard he is alleged to have conspired online with another man and created a “detailed plan” to carry out the offences.

The other man was due to arrive in the UK next week from the US, the court heard.

A spokesman for ITV said: “This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at This Morning and ITV.

“We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time.”

Willoughby’s ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly addressed the story on Friday’s episode of her programme Lorraine, saying it was “very, very upsetting”.

She said: “Of course we are sending Holly all of our love and best wishes, that is a terrible thing to be having to go through for her and her family.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also addressed the case as he appeared on This Morning on October 6.

He said: “Before we get going, I’m so sorry to hear everything going on with Holly.

“I just wanted to send my best to her and her family, and to all of you.”

Plumb was remanded into custody by District Judge Caroline Jackson until a plea hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.