Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Holly Willoughby ‘on indefinite leave’ from ITV’s This Morning

ITV show resumes today following star’s absence from last Thursday’s episode

Ellie Muir
Monday 09 October 2023 10:20 BST
Alison Hammond addresses Holly Willoughby kidnap threat

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Holly Willoughby is reportedly on “indefinite leave” from her presenting role on This Morning after news emerged of an alleged kidnap plot against her.

ITV bosses have apparently given Willoughby, 42, permission to remain off work for as long as she needs.

The Independent has contacted Willoughby’s representatives and ITV for comment.

On Friday 6 October, Gavin Plumb, 36, of Potters Field, Harlow, was charged with soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.

Superintendent Tim Tubbs said: “This was an extremely fast paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges. The safeguarding of any victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritise this as the investigation proceeds.”

Willoughby was absent from her usual This Morning hosting slot on Thursday (5 October) after learning of the alleged plot, which reportedly left her “shocked and distraught”.

A source told The Mirror that the question of Willoughby’s return to work was likely the last thing on her mind.

“There has been no discussion about when, or if, she will return to the This Morning sofa,” the source told the publication.

The source added that “no decisions” had been made about Willoughby’s return to work at this stage, and that “the question of returning to work could not be further from her mind”.

Willoughby at the National Television Awards this year
Willoughby at the National Television Awards this year (PA Wire)

The news comes after fans were left confused when Alison Hammond appeared as a last-minute replacement for the 42-year-old on Thursday’s show (5 October), joining co-host Josie Gibson.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

Hammond did not refer to Willoughby’s absence during the programme or offer any reason for why she was standing in for her, prompting a number of viewers to question the last-minute swap.

Hammond and her usual Friday co-host Dermot O’Leary addressed Holly’s absence from Thursday’s show when presenting Friday’s instalment of This Morning together.

“We’re obviously all shocked to hear the news and want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly,” Hammond told ITV viewers after O’Leary mentioned the reports about the alleged kidnap plot.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in