Phillip Schofield breaks five months of silence to offer support to Holly Willoughby over ‘kidnap and murder plot’ – as sources claim ‘there is still a bond’ between the old friends despite former This Morning star’s lies over affair with younger colleague

Former This Morning presenter Philip Schofield has broken a five-month silence to reach out to Holly Willoughby and offer his support in light of an alleged plot to kidnap and kill her.

Sources close to Schofield, 61, said there was “still a relationship” between the pair, as they claimed Holly was “really happy” to hear from him.

The duo presented the breakfast show together for 14 years and were extremely close, until details emerged of Schofield’s affair with a younger male member of staff on This Morning, which Holly allegedly lied about.

It comes after Holly, 42, suddenly disappeared from national TV screens on Thursday after police tipped her off to an alleged plot by mall security guard Gavin Plumb, 36, who is said to have been in contact with the American killer.

Plumb appeared in court on Friday charged with offenses including solicitation of murder and incitement to kidnap, and a judge heard the plot was so far advanced that the ‘killer’, who has not been arrested or named, was due to arrive in the UK next week.

Holly and Phil pictured together on This Morning in May 2023

Sources close to Schofield, 61, said there is “still a relationship” between the pair as they claim Holly was “really happy” to hear from him

A source close to Schofield said Holly was “really happy” to hear from Schofield The mirror reports, after five months of silence following the events of the past year.

Schofield was forced to quit the ITV show after it emerged he had lied to bosses about the “unwise but not illegal” affair, and the pair are said to have been out of touch since.

A source said: “Holly and Phil’s friendship was so close before the event this year. Phil’s decision to reach out, as well as the welcome Holly received, show that there is still a connection there.

‘The hope is that they can regain some of the lost ground and support each other again.’

It comes after a difficult week for Holly in which officers guarded the home she shares with her husband and three children after the star was left “freaked out” by the horrific plot.

Holly was pulled from presenting the ITV show on Thursday just moments before it went on air after police alerted bosses to the alleged plot.

Alison Hammond replaced the 42-year-old to present the show alongside Josie Gibson.

The presenter, who is being guarded by police and the ITV security team, has decided to take time off and is likely to be replaced by Alison Hammond or Josie Gibson.

Insiders say this morning that Ms Willoughby, 42, will not return to the program until after the half-month break as she had a scheduled holiday then, as she does every year.

The distraught star made the decision after emotional talks with senior ITV executives on Friday.

Gavin Plumb, 36, appeared in court on Friday charged with the alleged conspiracy in Essex

Ms Willoughby has been pulled from presenting This Morning after it was claimed Essex Police found ‘sinister messages’ threatening ‘serious harm’ to the mother-of-three (pictured at the National Television Awards at The O2, London , in September)

A source told The Mail on Sunday: “As the days go by, something like this doesn’t get any easier for Holi, but it’s hard to think about any kind of work at the moment, let alone when your job is to present a live television show.”

“He needs to be around his loved ones and get the right advice from the right people.”

The This Morning presenters have been in contact with her and will juggle covering her role for as long as necessary.

Plumb, from Harlow, Essex, was pictured leaving court on Friday after he was arrested at his flat on Wednesday, where he was allegedly found in possession of a weapon.

The father-of-two appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday wearing a green T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan ‘Aged to Perfection’.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and where he worked.

He allegedly arranged for a third party to fly to Britain the following week and drew up a “detailed plan” to carry out their plot.

According to the indictment, Plumb “assembled a kidnapping and restraint kit capable of inciting or assisting in the commission of the kidnapping of Holly Willoughby.”

District Judge Caroline Jackson said: “Items were found in your home which would have been used in the commission of the offenses of which you are charged.

“The other party is overseas and arrangements are being made for him to arrive in the UK next week.” These are very serious charges you are facing.

District Judge Caroline Jackson remanded Plumb in custody and he will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.

Essex Police Chief Constable Tim Tubbs said: “This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges.

“The protection of every victim is paramount and we will continue to prioritize this and work with the Metropolitan Police Service as the investigation progresses.”