GAVIN Plumb has been charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder Holly Willoughby.
The 36-year-old, who once ballooned up to 35-stone, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It comes after he was arrested by Essex Police on Wednesday after the alleged plot was discovered.
Holly, meanwhile, was made aware of the arrest moments before she was due to host This Morning yesterday.
The home she shares with her husband Dan Baldwin is now being guarded by police officers.
Plumb, who spoke only to confirm his name and address at the hearing today, was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.
Plumb, a dad-of-one, works as a security guard at the Pinnacles Shopping Centre in Harlow, Essex.
He has also worked as a kitchen assistant at Pizza Hut until 2012 and once had a job at McDonald’s.
However, he left his role at the pizza chain for health reasons when his weight reached 35 stone.
Such was his weight, Plumb previously revealed to the BBC he was unable to work as he could no longer leave his flat.
For at least four years from 2014, the only time he ventured outside was to his communal bins.
More recently, though, he has been taking driving lessons and getting out more, neighbours told MailOnline.
His address is given in court as Harlow, Essex.
Plumb appeared in court today accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap.
He was arrested by Essex Police officers on Wednesday night.
Officers allegedly seized a mobile phone and electronics during a search of his property.
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate 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.”
Plumb appeared in a 2018 BBC documentary about weightloss.
He tipped the scales at 35-stone after gorging on fast food and guzzling 36 pints of Coke a week.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Afternoon Edition programme in August 2017, he said: “The last time I went out unaided was 2014 – it was my parents’ wedding vow renewal.
“I only really go out my front door to put out a bin bag, in the bin just outside the flat, and that’s every few days. Other than that, I don’t leave my doorstep.”
He also revealed how his weight reached 35 and a half stone at his heaviest.
Plumb subsequently lost his job and gave up playing football.
He added: “I hate sitting indoors. I hate looking at the same four walls 24/7. I hate being the size I am.
“I’m pretty much in pain everywhere. I get chest pains and I’ve just been told it’s because of my weight.
“I’m scared that if I have something to eat or if I get up and I do too much, that’s it, I’m done.”
