![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/79\/590x\/secondary\/Holly-Willoughby-and-Josie-Gibson-presented-the-show-from-Monday-to-Wednesday-4997312.jpg?r=1696581827763\")
<\/p>\nHolly Willoughby pulled out of This Morning yesterday with no explanation, leaving viewers questioning where she was.<\/p>\n
Now, it’s been reported that a man from Essex has been arrested after police found \u201csinister messages\u201d threatening to kidnap and \u201cseriously harm\u201d the presenter.<\/p>\n
It is unclear how officers were alerted to the alleged plot, but a source has claimed digital devices and a mobile phone were seized.<\/p>\n
A source told The Sun: “Investigations are continuing but police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly.<\/p>\n
“There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her.”<\/p>\n
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Neighbours reportedly told the publication that the suspect was led out of his flat in handcuffs as police and forensics attended the scene.<\/p>\n
An Essex Police spokesman said: \u201cA 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe arrest was made on Wednesday 4 October. He is currently in custody. Enquiries continue.\u201d<\/p>\n
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Holly and Essex Police for further comment.<\/p>\n
“Distraught” Holly was said to be told about the plot shortly before going live.<\/p>\n
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It is now believed guards are surrounding her London home, which she shares with her husband and three children, to keep her safe.<\/p>\n
On yesterday’s show, she was replaced seemingly last minute by co-star Alison Hammond, who presented alongside Josie Gibson.<\/p>\n
Viewers reacted to the regular presenter’s unexplained absence, as Josie began the show saying: \u201cLook who\u2019s joined me. It\u2019s only the one and only Alison Hammond.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the platform X, previously known as Twitter, one tweeted: “No Holly! Not even a mention of why she\u2019s not on today?!”<\/p>\n
Another commented: “No Holly today?! Devastated. #HollyWilloughby.”<\/p>\n
The presenter has had a series of co-hosts by her side following Phillip Schofield’s departure in May.<\/p>\n
Many have called for Ben Shephard to become a permanent host after impressing viewers with Holly last week.<\/p>\n
However, ITV confirmed “no decision has been made” regarding him stepping in as a permanent fixture, to Express.co.uk.<\/p>\n
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