Gavin Plumb, a 37-year-old security guard from Harlow, Essex, has denied charges of soliciting murder and encouraging kidnap and rape in a dramatic court session. The case centres on an alleged plot to abduct and assault former "This Morning" host Holly Willoughby.

Plumb, giving evidence for the first time, admitted that Willoughby was his "celebrity crush" but insisted he never intended to act on the alleged plans. Footage played at Chelmsford Crown Court showed the police arresting Plumb at his home on October 4 last year.

As officers entered his house, Plumb, topless and visibly shocked, asked, "What the hell is going on?" After being handcuffed, he remarked, "I'm not gonna lie. She is a fantasy of mine. She's a fantasy of a lot of guys I expect."

Prosecutors have painted a disturbing picture of Plumb's obsession with the 43-year-old television presenter, claiming he planned to kidnap, repeatedly rape, and murder her. Holly Willoughby stepped down from "This Morning" in October last year after a 14-year tenure.

An undercover US police officer, David Nelson, testified on Thursday, describing Plumb as an "imminent threat" to Willoughby.

The court heard that Plumb had shared a video of his "kidnap kit" with the officer, detailing his intention to use chloroform to abduct Willoughby from her home, sexually assault her, and then slit her throat.

Although police discovered two bottles of liquid at Plumb's residence along with handcuffs, rope, shackles, and cable ties, the substances did not contain chloroform.

Additional footage showed Plumb in a police station holding area, wearing a dark green T-shirt, as officers searched his home. Plumb commented, "I can pretty much guess what they're looking for."

Despite the grave accusations, Plumb has denied the three charges of soliciting murder and encouraging kidnap and rape, allegedly committed between December 21, 2021, and October 5 last year.

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The trial continues as the court examines the evidence and testimonies in this high-profile case.

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