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A man has been charged with soliciting to commit murder over a reported plot to kidnap TV presenter Holly Willoughby.

Gavin Plumb, 36, was arrested on Wednesday "as part of an ongoing investigation", said Essex Police.

He was also charged with incitement to commit kidnap.

Willoughby did not appear on Thursday's edition of ITV show This Morning. She was said to be under police protection at her home on Thursday night.

Essex police did not confirm whether Willoughby had been the target of the alleged plot, which was first reported in The Sun.

The newspaper said police had found "sinister messages" threatening to kidnap and "seriously harm" the star, adding that digital devices and a mobile phone were seized during the arrest.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby 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 and working with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation proceeds."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67027015