Holly Willoughby makes heartbreaking admission about life change after murder plot Holly Willoughby has spoken out following a sick plot to kidnap and murder her - the former This Morning star said the 'life-changing' scheme has 'served a purpose' (Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images ) Holly Willoughby has shared a devastating revelation about her decision to take a break from television after a chilling conspiracy to abduct and kill her came to light. The beloved former This Morning host stepped down in October 2023, having been a fixture on our screens for 14 years. ‌ At the time of her departure, she expressed the move was "for me and my family". ‌ Read more EastEnders star's son rushed to hospital and diagnosed with 'very contagious' bug In a heartfelt message shared with her followers, she penned: "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." Article continues below In July 2024, former security guard Gavin Plumb received a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years and 85 days after being convicted of planning to kidnap, assault, and murder Holly. The court was informed of the profound 'life-changing' effect the harrowing plot had on her, despite her courageous decision to forego her anonymity. Speaking out in a rare interview earlier this year, Holly candidly discussed her reasons for stepping away from the public eye after the traumatic event. ‌ "I wouldn't wish what happened to me on anybody at all - sometimes things go wrong, but you have to keep going for it because that's all you can do," she said. "You have to hold on to, ultimately, [how] all this serves its purpose. A lot of the change has been really good, you know? "I've spent a long time not being able to take my kids to school," she revealed to The Sunday Times Style Magazine. ‌ "I know, the school run, every [other] parent, they'd be like, 'Christ, you absolutely dodged a bullet there.' "But there have been so many assemblies I haven't been able to go to, so many things I've missed. Harry [her eldest son], is doing his GCSEs at the moment, this is his last year of school before he goes off to college and A-levels and stuff." She added: "And actually I'm grateful for having this time. Without even realising it, I think I've missed that. It's really lovely to get some of that back," reports the Mirror. ‌ The harrowing details of a kidnap and murder plot against Holly Willoughby are a focal point of a new Channel 5 documentary, The Plot To Kill Holly Willoughby, which is set to broadcast today (May 1). Reflecting on the chilling events of 2023, it unveils why Holly was swiftly replaced after learning about the heinous plan just before going on air on This Morning. Following Gavin Plumb’s sentencing, Nicola Rice from the Crown Prosecution Service commented: "The sentence handed down to Gavin Plumb ensures he will remain in prison, where he can no longer threaten or harm women." ‌ Furthermore, she remarked on the severity of Plumb's threat: "There is no doubt Gavin Plumb posed a real danger and the CPS proved that his plans to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby were more than mere fantasy and he had every intention of encouraging others to help him. "I hope today's sentence brings some comfort to the victim, as well as the victims of his previous offences and sends a clear message that the CPS will always bring the strongest possible case against those who plan violence against women." Meanwhile, in her statement, Holly lauded the Crown Prosecution Service and everyone involved in bringing Plumb to justice. She expressed: "As women, we should not be made to feel unsafe going about our daily lives and in our own homes. Article continues below "I will forever be grateful to the undercover police officer who understood the imminent threat and to the Metropolitan and Essex police forces for their swift response. "Thank you to the Crown Prosecution Service, the Rt Hon Mr Justice Murray, Alison Morgan KC, the members of the jury and all involved in this case for ensuring that justice was done and that the defendant will not be able to harm any more women. "I would also like to commend the bravery of his previous victims for speaking up at the time. Without their bravery, this conviction may not have been possible."