Shirley Ballas is terrified for her safety in the wake of the alleged plan to murder Holly Willoughby.
The Strictly judge, 63, who has spoken of receiving social media abuse, fears her fame will mean she is the target of a plot and in recent days, she has started taking extra precautions to ensure she is safe.
She told the Daily Star: “The news about Holly has made me a little bit nervous. Let’s just say, I travel everywhere with caution. I’m not free as a bird like I used to be. I’m always a little bit cautious about where I’m going, especially if I’m out on my own.
“I would be wrong to say, ‘I don’t worry about it.’ Of course you do. These are the times that we live in and I think it’s very sad.” Her family has already been at the centre of a kidnap plot. Dancer son Mark, 37, was targeted when he paired with gymnast Shawn Johnson, 31, on the US version of Strictly.
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Shirley said: “My heart goes out to Holly because I know what she’s going through is an awful experience. I just feel for her and her family.”
(Image: PA)
Josie Gibson stepped in to replace Holly Willoughby for Monday’s (October 9) episode of This Morning as takes a break from the ITV daytime show. Over the weekend, it was reported Holly will not return to the show for the foreseeable future.
The Mirror report that ITV bosses have given Holly permission to remain off work for as long as she needs.. A insider told the publication: “Holly has been left distraught by the news. This has been an absolutely horrible week for her.”
(Image: Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)
The source said at the time: “At the moment she really is getting through things hour by hour. Her absolute priority is her own safety and that of her family – who are supporting her through this incredibly difficult time.
“There has been no discussion about when, or if, she will return to the This Morning sofa. No decisions have been made about that. But given the terrifying things she has learned this week, the question of returning to work could not be further from her mind.”
(Image: WireImage)
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This Morning presenters Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary spoke out following Holly Willoughby’s kidnap threat last week. Before getting started, Dermot told viewers: “We have to start with a story about one of our own,” before explaining that a 36-year-old man had been arrested with plotting to kidnap Holly.
The duo threw their support behind their co-star and friend as Alison added: “We’re obviously all shocked to hear the news. We want to send our love and biggest hugs to Holly and her family.”
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Gavin Plumb, 36, appeared in the dock at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday (October 6) accused of soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap. Plumb only to confirm his name and address before district judge Caroline Jackson. He was remanded in custody and will appear before the city’s crown court on November 3.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
