Holly Willoughby has sold her London family home in the aftermath of a deeply disturbing kidnap, rape and murder plot that left her and her family fearing for their safety and ultimately forced a major change in their lives.

The former This Morning presenter and her husband, television producer Dan Baldwin, made the decision after a security guard, Gavin Plumb, was convicted of plotting to abduct, sexually assault and murder Holly. The case sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the public alike, revealing the terrifying extent of the threat she faced in her own home.

Plumb, 38, from Harlow in Essex, was unanimously found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court of soliciting murder and encouraging or assisting others to rape and kidnap the television star. The court heard chilling details of how he had carefully planned the attack, including discussing taking time off work in order to carry it out. He intended to ambush Holly at her south-west London property, transport her to an isolated stud farm, subject her to prolonged sexual torture, murder her, and then dispose of her body in a lake. Following the trial, Plumb was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years before he can be considered for parole.

In light of the plot, Holly and Dan immediately moved their children out of the family home, prioritising their safety above all else. The ordeal had a profound impact on Holly personally and professionally, and ultimately led to her decision to quit This Morning in 2023 after more than a decade as one of the programme’s most recognisable faces.

Land registry records now confirm that the Edwardian property has been sold, with ownership officially changing in 2024. Although the sale marks a significant turning point, it is understood to have been an emotional decision for the couple. The house was where they raised their children and built many happy family memories, making the move both a necessary and bittersweet step.

A source close to the couple explained that selling the property would help them close a painful chapter in their lives. According to the source, leaving the home behind would allow Holly and Dan to draw a line under a deeply uncomfortable and frightening period, and focus on building a sense of security and normality in a new environment. At the same time, the emotional attachment to the house made the decision far from easy, given the many positive memories associated with it.

After moving out of their former home, the couple purchased a new mansion worth £8 million in July 2024. The property was bought outright with no mortgage, reflecting a desire for long-term stability. Since relocating, Holly and Dan have invested heavily in improving both the comfort and security of their new home, ensuring it meets the needs of their family after such a traumatic experience.

They have already completed several renovations and installed additional security measures. Plans have also been approved for a private gym, a cinema room and a ground-floor link to part of the property. However, the couple have recently found themselves in a planning dispute after submitting proposals for a further extension. The latest request involves creating a “link infill extension” between the main house and an outbuilding on the land.

Local planners reportedly raised concerns that the proposed extension would be overly dominant and inappropriate for the heritage property. As a result, the application was rejected, prompting Holly and Dan to launch a formal appeal. In their appeal, they argued that the extension would allow them to make better use of the land while remaining sympathetic to the character of the property.

Despite these ongoing planning issues, the sale of their former home represents a clear attempt to move forward. For Holly, the experience has been life-altering, reshaping both her career and her family life. While the trauma of the plot can never be undone, selling the house where the threat was so closely tied appears to be an important step in reclaiming a sense of safety and control.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Holly Willoughby for comment. For now, the focus for Holly and her family remains on healing, protecting their privacy, and creating a fresh start away from the shadow of a crime that came frighteningly close to becoming reality.