The man accused of plotting the murder of ITV This Morning host Holly Willoughby appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court today for a pre-trial and plea hearing.

Gavin Plumb, 36, is accused of communicating with a “third party” in America in order to kidnap and murder the former This Morning host.

According to the allegations, he “solicited, encouraged, persuaded, endeavored to persuade” a third party to hurt Mrs. Willoughby.

Plumb, of Potters Field, Harlow, pleaded not guilty today at Chelmsford Crown Court to counts of soliciting to commit murder and inciting to kidnap.

Plumb, dressed in a grey T-shirt, touched his face when information were revealed. He simply spoke to confirm his identity and entered not guilty pleas to the charges.

Plumb was remanded in custody when Judge Mary Loram KC told him he would face a trial next year. She went on to say: “Mr Plumb I’m adjourning your case for trial and that trial will take place on June 24 next year.”

Plumb, a shopping center security guard and former Pizza Hut employee, was accused with plotting to kidnap and murder the TV celebrity between October 2 and October 5. On October 6, he was charged and put in jail. Today Plumb appeared in court for the plea and trial preparation hearing.

Holly, 42, was removed from an appearance on This Morning after police informed the show’s producers of an alleged threat just moments before she was scheduled to appear. Alison Hammond, who appeared alongside Josie Gibson, took her place at the last minute, but no reason for Holly’s absence was disclosed at the time.