In a temporary resolution to the terrifying situation that she’s been experiencing, Cheryl’s stalker has been jailed for 16 weeks after turning up at her house for a third time. And supporting her through the ordeal is Holly Willoughby – having gone through a similar trauma herself in 2023.
In a statement read out at Daniel Bannister’s trial last week, Cheryl, 41, admitted that because of Bannister’s actions she feared for both her safety and that of her son Bear, seven – who she shares with ex-boyfriend Liam Payne, who tragically died in October. Bannister was given a 16-week sentence after admitting to harassment and breaching his restraining order.
An insider tells Closer, ‘Holly reached out to Cheryl as soon as she heard about it. She’s been offering her support around the clock and a friendly ear – even if that means a late-night call for some reassurance. Holly was triggered by what happened to Cheryl, but realised that being there for each other was something they could both take comfort from.
‘Cheryl really appreciated Holly’s kindness and they’ve bonded over their experiences and being able to talk to someone who truly knows what it feels like. Holly was one of the first people Cheryl spoke to after the verdict was revealed – expressing her fears that he’d be released in just a few months. Holly understands what Cheryl’s been through and, with losing Liam too, it’s the last thing she needs.’
This isn’t the first time Bannister, 50, has targeted Cheryl. He was previously jailed for turning up at the singer’s home in Buckinghamshire in July and asking for a glass of wine over the intercom, breaching the restraining order that was put in place in January 2024 after a similar incident.
And naturally Cheryl is fearful that just four months in jail won’t deter Bannister – who was convicted of manslaughter in 2012 – from returning and terrorising her. Luckily, Holly has been on hand with practical advice about how Cheryl can further protect her family.
‘Holly urged her to take it one step at a time and do everything she could not to let her head spin,’ the source says. ‘She insisted that turning into a panic-ridden mum, afraid to even leave the house, would have a huge negative impact on Bear and that as hard as it may be, she needs to do her best to remain calm and focus on what is in her control.
‘She also gave Cheryl some strategies that she’s followed through with, including upping her personal and home security, hiring round-the-clock bodyguards and consulting with firms who specialise in protecting some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Holly even advised her to speak to a company she’d hired made up of ex-military personnel and urged her to ensure no expense is spared.’
Mum of three Holly – who shares Harry, 15, Belle, 13, and Chester, 10, with husband of 17 years Dan Baldwin – is also keen to find a long-term solution to their shared problem, with Closer’s insider admitting, ‘Even though this lunatic is off the streets, it’s only temporary so she’s considering campaigning with Cheryl for a change in the law. There are so many loopholes these people can slip through as though the law is set up to protect them rather than their victims. Holly wants action to be taken to safeguard the public from these offenders.’
Having experienced a similar situation herself in October 2023, when security guard Gavin Plumb was arrested for a plot to kidnap the then This Morning presenter, Holly is well placed to support Cheryl. But while Plumb, 37, is currently serving a life sentence for plotting to kidnap, rape and murder Holly, she’s naturally still traumatised by the whole experience – which will soon be rehashed with a Channel 5 documentary about her ordeal.
The insider concludes, ‘Every time Holly feels like she’s taking steps forward to put it behind her, it’s thrust back into the spotlight, which is extremely triggering and brings back so many emotions. While she understands it’s of public interest, she’s panicking about new details being revealed that she may not even know about, which could push her back to a time when she was at rock bottom.
‘Right now, she feels haunted by this dark time in her life which continues to linger over her, and now she’s having to mentally prepare herself for yet more trauma. But Holly’s incredibly strong and determined to continue putting one foot in front of the other and focusing on her family.’
