Holly Willoughby: Gavin Plumb jailed for life for plot against TV host

Plumb had denied soliciting murder and inciting kidnap and rape between 2021 and 2023, but was found guilty following an eight-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

“I have no doubt this was all considerably more than a fantasy to you,” said the judge, who noted Plumb’s “gross obesity” which he had previously talked to the BBC about.

The judge added: “Your plan was hopelessly unrealistic for a number of reasons – including your physical health – but you clearly thought it was feasible.

“You always intended to carry out your plan to kidnap, rape and kill Ms Willoughby if you could find ‘the right crew’ to do it.”

The judge said Plumb would serve at least 15 years and 85 days of the minimum jail sentence, having spent a portion of time behind bars on remand.

The defendant, who had previous convictions for attempted kidnap, stood emotionless in the dock as he was sentenced.

Ms Willoughby ended her 14-year stint on This Morning after the offences came to light in October 2023.

“The extent of the shock and fear of this offending has been impossible to be conveyed,” prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said.

Plumb had developed an “obsession” with Ms Willoughby that spanned more than 10 years, she previously told the trial.