Television presenter Holly Willoughby has sold her family home in South West London following the terrifying kidnap, rape and murder plot orchestrated against her. The sale marks a significant step in moving on from the traumatic events that unfolded last year.
Conviction and Sentencing of Gavin Plumb
In 2023, security guard Gavin Plumb was unanimously convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court for soliciting murder and encouraging or assisting others to rape and kidnap Holly Willoughby. The 38-year-old from Harlow, Essex, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years in prison.
Impact on the Willoughby-Baldwin Family
The horrifying plot had immediate and profound consequences for Holly and her TV executive husband Dan Baldwin, aged 51. The couple made the difficult decision to move their children out of their South West London family home as a direct result of the security threat. This traumatic period also led to Holly's departure from ITV's This Morning after more than a decade as a presenter.
Now, property records confirm the Edwardian family home has been sold in 2024, closing a chapter on what sources describe as "a deeply uncomfortable period" in Holly's life. A source told The Sun: "This will draw a line under a deeply uncomfortable period of Holly's life, and ensure they can make a fresh start in their new family home. Though it's bittersweet too as it's where Holly and Dan raised their children, so it has many happy memories for the couple as well."
Details of the Kidnap Plot
During Plumb's trial, disturbing details emerged about his planned attack. His kidnap scheme involved attempting to "ambush" Holly at her home, with discussions about taking time off work to organise the assault. The prosecution revealed he planned to take the TV presenter to an isolated stud farm for sexual torture, murder her, and dispose of her body in a lake.
In October 2023, Plumb lost his challenge against the sentence at the Court of Appeal, maintaining his incarceration for these serious crimes.
New Home and Planning Disputes
The couple purchased their current £8 million mansion in July 2024 without a mortgage after relocating from their previous residence. However, their new beginning has not been without complications. Last month, Holly was reportedly involved in a planning row after launching a legal appeal regarding modifications to their £8 million property.
Despite already having approval for a gym and cinema, the couple are seeking to add a "link infill extension" between their house and an outbuilding on the land. They have described this addition as enhancing the "heritage" property and making better use of the available space.
Their latest planning request has faced criticism, with some branding it "overly dominant" and "inappropriate." The couple has lodged an appeal to try to get the works approved, arguing the extension would optimise their use of the property grounds.
Security Measures and Property Developments
The Willoughby-Baldwin family has implemented several security enhancements at their six-bedroom new home alongside the planned renovations. They have already completed various works at the property and received approval for a ground floor link addition.
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Holly Willoughby for further comment on these developments. The sale of the family home represents both an end to a frightening chapter and the beginning of a new phase for the television personality and her family as they continue to rebuild their lives with increased security and privacy measures in place.
