TV staple Holly Willoughby was reportedly placed under “police guard” after a “plot to kidnap" the This Morning star was unearthed earlier this week.
The popular presenter first caused concern among fans when she appeared to be missing from Thursday's edition of This Morning, and it has since emerged that her absence was due to an alleged kidnap plot which prompted the police to intervene, reports The Mirror.
According to sources close to the star, Holly was given "round-the-clock" protection by police after the threat to abduct her came to light, with a man later arrested at a flat in Harlow, Essex on Wednesday.
"Police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly," said an insider.
After first hearing of the news, Holly was said to be “distraught” as she was only alerted to he kidnapping plans when police informed producers moments before Holly was due to take to the airwaves in her usual morning broadcast slot.
According to The Sun, Essex police allegedly found "sinister messages" from the suspect who had allegedly threatened to "seriously harm" the mum-of-three.
The suspect is not believed to be known to Holly, and was held “in police custody last night”
Following the terrifying threat, police have reportedly remained stationed outside the suspect’s flat, where he lives alone.
One neighbour in Harlow, Essex, told the newspaper: "I saw him being led out of his flat in handcuffs last night at about nine o'clock."
Another added: "The police car has been there all day. Earlier on there was a forensics van."
A police presence has also reportedly been established outside Holly’s home, which she currently shares with her husband Daniel Baldwin and their three children, Harry, Chester and Belle.
"Investigations are continuing but police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly," another source told the outlet.
"There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her."
This Morning viewers were first alerted to Holly’s absence during Thursday’s scheduled broadcast, when she was replaced just moments before heading on air, by her fellow presenter Alison Hammond.
"Look who’s joined me," Josie Gibson said during the show's opener, while noticeably avoiding addressing Holly’s absence.
"It's only the one and only Alison Hammond," she noted.
Without any explanation for the sudden change to the presenting roster, many fans were quick to take to social media to express their concerns for Holly’s wellbeing.
Speaking at the time, one fan wrote: "Not even a mention of why she’s not on today?"
While a second viewer soon penned: "No Holly today?! Devastated."
OK! has contacted Holly's representative for comment.
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