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<\/p>\nPhillip Schofield has reportedly reached out to Holly Willoughby after a man was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap her.<\/p>\n
Last week, it was alleged that Essex man Gavin Plumb had plotted to kidnap Holly, and had hired a hitman to murder the 42-year-old TV host.<\/p>\n
Sources say Holly was "really happy" to reconnect with best friend and This Morning co-star Phil after his public fall from grace earlier this year. <\/p>\n
Philip departed the prime breakfast television slot after his affair with a younger colleague was leaked.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:<\/b> ITV studios infiltrated by intruder just days before 'Holly Willoughby kidnap plot'<\/b> <\/p>\n
The 61-year-old had reportedly kept his distance since the affair emerged five months ago, having lied to Holly about the inappropriate relationship.<\/p>\n
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Now, after Holly's ordeal, a source told The Mirror, "Phil was absolutely horrified to hear she had been allegedly targeted in such a sickening way and decided to reach out to her, in spite of their lack of contact.<\/p>\n
"He wanted her to know he was thinking of her and her family."<\/p>\n
The source suggested their relationship could be on the mend, adding, \u201cThe hope is they can regain some of the ground lost, and support each other again.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Former Pizza Hut worker Plumb, 36, was charged with soliciting a American man, David Nelson, to commit murder.<\/p>\n
Plumb remains in custody after appearing at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday.<\/p>\n
He was also charged with incitement to commit a kidnapping.<\/p>\n
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He appeared in court wearing a green t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "Aged to Perfection", and only spoke to confirm his name, age, and date of birth.<\/p>\n
Plumb will return to Chelmsford Crown Court on November 3.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the Essex Police confirmed the case is being handled as quickly as possible, commenting: "This was an extremely fast-paced investigation, with many of our officers and national partners working overnight to secure these charges."<\/p>\n
Holly is now staying at her home in London, which is now receiving around-the-clock security provided by both the police and ITV.<\/p>\n
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An ITV spokesperson said, "This news has come as a huge shock to everyone at 'This Morning' and ITV.<\/p>\n
"We are providing all of the support we can to Holly and her family at this incredibly distressing time."<\/p>\n
Since Plumb's arrest, Holly has not graced the sofa of This Morning, instead being replaced by Alison Hammond.<\/p>\n
There is not yet any information on when Holly will return to daytime screens.<\/p>\n
Another source for The Mirror is confident it will not be anytime soon: "Given the terrifying things she heard this week, the question of returning to work could not be further from her mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
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