ITV darling Holly Willoughby has been left shocked as Channel 5 chose to proceed with a documentary about Gavin Plumb's plot to kidnap and murder her, despite her refusal to participate. The former  This Morning host also took issue with the programme being titled 'Stalking Holly Willoughby', arguing that it not only brings back distressing memories but is also factually incorrect, as she was never stalked.

The Dancing on Ice presenter, aged 44, was targeted by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb in 2023, who plotted to kidnap, rape and murder her. Confronted with a serious threat while live on air presenting ITV's flagship morning show This Morning, Holly was swiftly escorted to safety by security and subsequently left the show entirely following the terrifying incident, reports The Mirror. 

An insider revealed to The Sun: "Holly isn't involved in the documentary at all, but producers are ploughing ahead in making it regardless. They know it'll be a ratings hit to detail the gory specifics of the case."

"She declined to be interviewed by producers about the ordeal and her reps informed Channel 5 she wasn't technically stalked so their title is incorrect. There is also concern that the events will be sensationally dramatised for effect."

Expanding on this, the source also criticised Channel 5's "awkward" decision, asserting that it's "not their story to tell", and could potentially evoke "horrendous memories" for Holly, who is simply "trying to move on with her life."

The Express has sought comments from Holly and Channel 5.

Plumb, 37, hailing from Harlow in Essex, was successfully captured by police after disclosing his scheme in an online chatroom. He was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in prison last July.

Reflecting on her experience in January 2025, Holly shared with The Times: "It's been a tough one. There's no way of sugar-coating it.

"Nothing can prepare you for something like that. When something like that happens, you have a decision to make.

"You either decide, right, I can take this on board and it can absolutely affect all aspects of my life. Or I can make a choice to go, let's focus on everything that's positive and good, all those important things."

She continued: "I'm healthy and I'm happy. I've got a wonderful husband and children and family, I've got great friends. You have to go: I choose to positively move forward and rely on all those people – the police, the court, the judge, the jury – all those people to do their role. And that's what I had to do."