Holly Willoughby has spoken candidly about how the plot to kidnap and murder her has fundamentally changed her outlook on life. The former This Morning presenter, 45, told Grazia magazine that she no longer fears public opinion or failure after learning of Gavin Plumb's plot. Plumb, 39, who harboured an 'unhealthy sexual obsession' with Willoughby, planned to kidnap, rape and murder her. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in July 2024 with a minimum term of 16 years.
'I know what real fear feels like'
Speaking ahead of the launch of her new YouTube channel, Together, Willoughby reflected on the plot's profound impact. '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. '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?'
Willoughby, who also hosted Dancing on Ice, acknowledged that not everyone will appreciate her work. 'Not everybody’s going to like what you do, that’s just a fact. I’m not for everybody,' she added.
Resilience and moving forward
The presenter said the ordeal taught her she is 'very resilient' but stressed she will not let the incident define her. Describing that period as a 'really difficult time,' she noted it made her realise life will 'keep throwing challenges at her.' Instead of being consumed by fear, Willoughby said she treats 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.'
New YouTube channel launch
Willoughby's new channel, Together, will launch on July 28 and cover fashion, beauty, health and general life advice. She said she feels 'less pressure' working on this project because viewers will find her rather than being forced on them by TV bosses. The channel will release two episodes per week on YouTube, digital streaming platforms and social media.
Willoughby left This Morning in 2023 after Plumb was sentenced. In a statement at the time, she said: 'I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. 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 her departure, Willoughby faced criticism from viewers over her long-standing relationship with co-star Phillip Schofield, who admitted to an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger colleague. After the affair became public, Willoughby condemned Schofield, saying she felt 'shaken, troubled, let down, and worried.'
