The man convicted of plotting to kidnap, rape, and murder British television presenter Holly Willoughby has been discovered with a hidden collection of her photographs inside his maximum-security prison cell, according to multiple reports. The disturbing revelation has reportedly left the former "This Morning" host feeling "terrified" and has reopened wounds from what she has described as one of the most traumatic periods of her life .

Gavin Plumb, 39, who is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years for his chilling plan to attack the TV star, was allegedly found with the stash of images hidden beneath his mattress at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire . The photographs are understood to have been sourced from magazines that Plumb reportedly collected from other inmates .

The discovery, which came to light earlier this month, has reportedly cost Plumb his prison privileges, including television access, according to sources familiar with the matter . A prison source indicated that the convicted stalker was going around his landing collecting television magazines and scouring them for images of the 45-year-old presenter .

The revelation that Plumb continues to harbor an obsessive fixation on Willoughby from behind bars has sent shockwaves through her inner circle. An insider close to the former ITV star revealed that the news has left her feeling scared and vulnerable, describing the development as a "new nightmare" that has brought back the trauma she has worked hard to overcome .

Sources indicate that Willoughby's fears extend beyond her immediate safety, with concerns about the long-term implications of Plumb's continued obsession. The mother of three is reportedly worried about what might happen when the convicted stalker eventually becomes eligible for release, a prospect that remains a source of ongoing anxiety for the presenter and her family .

The ordeal has prompted Willoughby and her husband, television producer Dan Baldwin, to consider relocating in the future to protect their family. The source noted that while they are taking things one step at a time, the possibility of moving remains on the table, particularly as Plumb's release date approaches .

This latest development represents a significant setback for Willoughby, who has spent considerable time and effort attempting to move forward from the harrowing experience. According to insiders, she had thought she had turned a corner before this discovery, making the news particularly devastating .

The case against Plumb began unraveling in October 2023 when an undercover US police officer infiltrated an online group called "Abduct Lovers" and became alarmed by Plumb's detailed discussions about his plans . The US officer, posing as a potential accomplice, gathered crucial evidence that ultimately led to Plumb's arrest .

When Essex Police raided Plumb's flat in Harlow, they discovered a chilling "abduction kit" that included cable ties, handcuffs, bottles of chloroform, and a collection of over 10,000 photographs of Willoughby . Body camera footage from the arrest captured Plumb telling officers that Willoughby was a "fantasy" of his, a statement that underscored the depth of his dangerous obsession .

During his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in July 2024, prosecutors revealed the full extent of Plumb's sinister plans. He had discussed ambushing Willoughby at her family home during the night, using chloroform to subdue both her and her husband, and transporting her to an abandoned stud farm where he planned to subject her to sexual torture before murdering her and dumping her body in a lake .

The judge who sentenced Plumb described his plans as "particularly sadistic, brutal, and degrading," noting that there was no doubt the security guard would have carried out his plot had he found willing accomplices . Lord Justice Edis, who later dismissed Plumb's appeal against his sentence, stated that the offender "clearly is dangerous" and that "there is no way of knowing when or if ever that will cease to be the case" .

Plumb's criminal history also played a significant role in the severity of his sentence. He had previously attempted to kidnap two air hostesses from a train in 2006 and tried to falsely imprison two teenage girls in a shop in 2008 . A woman who was one of his earlier victims later revealed that hearing about his plot against Willoughby brought back her own trauma and fears about what might have happened to her .

Willoughby dramatically changed her life following the plot's discovery, stepping away from her role on ITV's "This Morning" after 14 years on air . She later explained that the decision to leave the show was necessary for her and her family, stating, "I have to make this decision for me and my family" .

The presenter and her family reportedly relocated from their family home, which had been central to Plumb's plans, moving to a new residence to escape the memories and fears associated with the property . Willoughby has since focused on rebuilding her life and career, though this latest development has served as a painful reminder that the nightmare is far from over.

A Prison Service spokesperson emphasized that officials are taking the matter seriously, with strengthened physical security and better staffing at HMP Long Lartin to crack down on illicit items . The discovery of the photographs has prompted further review of Plumb's security status and privileges, aiming to limit risks related to his persistent obsession with Willoughby .

For Willoughby, the emotional toll of this latest revelation is significant. An insider noted that the presenter feels this experience will never fully leave her, but she is determined not to let Plumb's actions dictate her life . Despite the setback, she continues to focus on her family and career, working to move forward while remaining vigilant about her safety.

The case has also drawn attention to broader issues of prison security and the management of high-risk offenders who continue to pose threats from behind bars. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy has highlighted the problem of contraband in prisons, emphasizing that individuals jailed for such obsessive crimes should not be able to obtain images of their victims while incarcerated .

As Willoughby continues to navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience, the discovery of Plumb's photo collection serves as a stark reminder of the enduring nature of his dangerous obsession. While he remains behind bars, the psychological impact of this development underscores the long road ahead for the presenter in her journey toward healing and normalcy.

The case has sparked conversations about the support systems needed for stalking victims and the measures required to ensure their ongoing protection, even after perpetrators have been brought to justice. For now, Willoughby and her family remain focused on their safety and well-being, taking each day as it comes while hoping for a future free from fear and harassment.