A horrific chapter in Holly Willoughby’s life is finally closed, after the man who plotted to kidnap, rape and murder her was recently sentenced to life in prison. But with offers now flooding in to open up about her terrifying experience, we’re told that the TV presenter is feeling conflicted.
Earlier this month, 37-year-old Gavin Plumb was sentenced to a minimum term of 15 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Holly, 43, released a statement applauding both the police for their swift action and Plumb’s previous victims for bravely speaking out, writing, “As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives in our own homes.”
And with the sentencing done, we’re now told that the former This Morning presenter is already receiving multiple offers to turn her experience into a tell-all documentary – with Holly finding it hard to decide whether this is an opportunity she wants to take.
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An insider tells heat, “Holly feels torn about putting the whole ordeal behind her or speaking out against men like Plumb and becoming an advocate for women who’ve had similarly awful experiences. There have been lot of attractive offers to talk about what happened in a documentary, but she’s worried about having to relive what’s been a hugely traumatic time for her.”
The source continues, “At the same time, Holly has always understood the importance of speaking out. She realises that talking about it could really help change things in the UK. A documentary could shine a light on the stalking problem, offer solutions and give a platform for those who want to do something about it.”
Former security guard Plumb was planning an “invasion” of Holly’s family home – which she shares with husband Dan Baldwin, 49, and their children, Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and Chester, eight. He was apprehended after an undercover officer in the US, with whom he had been communicating, alerted UK authorities. During his trial, the jury heard Plumb had previous convictions for attempted kidnap and false imprisonment.
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“Because of the US police involvement, the case became a story over there,” we’re told. “There was serious interest in what Holly had been through, and what her ordeal says about safeguarding females in the public eye. There are so many other high- profile women who have been through similar traumas, from stalking to much, much worse.”
Holly is sadly not the first famous person to have faced such a terrifying ordeal. Former Love Island host Laura Whitmore has spoken about receiving threatening letters from a stalker, while pop star Lily Allen previously revealed how her stalker broke into her house while she was sleeping. Back in 1999, journalist Jill Dando was shot outside her London home. And despite never being caught, detectives have suggested it was by a stalker.
Our source says, “Holly has been searching for a project that’s a bit more heavyweight for some time, and a documentary about what she’s been through – which could be expanded to explore similar crimes and how they’re dealt with – does appeal to her. She feels it would be a groundbreaking topic to discuss.”
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But while Holly weighs up her decisions, we’re told her close friends and family are warning her against rushing into anything – including her husband Dan. Our source says, “He is urging her not to feel pressured into doing anything. Dan feels that if she wants to put it behind her and never talk about it again, that’s her right. She’s got more than enough lined up to keep her busy – and if she delves into this, it could end up defining her.
“It’s a scary decision for Holly, especially as she’s worked so hard to create the fun and friendly TV persona that has brought her in big brand deals and a lot of money. Talking about her experience would be a world away from that. That said, she is asking herself if she wants to keep playing it safe or take a risk. Her gut is telling her this would be something she’d be proud of in years to come, but at the same time, she doesn’t want to cause herself any grief.”
The insider adds, “She’s got a lot to consider, and while Holly knows there’s no rush, she understands she has to either confront the trauma again or move on for good.”