Jody Bunting, the former Big Breakfast TV fitness guru, has spoken candidly about his relief after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to drop the case against him.
Bunting, 47, had been accused of attempting to murder his ex-colleague Kimberley Hoskins by deliberately leaving a bar of chocolate in a hotel cupboard, leading to an allergic reaction that almost killed her.
The case has stirred intense emotions and left Bunting in a state of torment for nearly 18 months, as he awaited the final decision.
The Alleged ‘Death by Chocolate’ Plot
In October 2023, the alleged incident unfolded at the Mickleover Court Hotel Leisure Club in Derby, where Bunting had worked as a fitness instructor.
Kimberley Hoskins, who suffers from a severe allergy to cocoa, was allegedly exposed to a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Fruit and Nut, which Bunting had left in a cupboard for staff to share while he went on holiday.
Hoskins, 27, was rushed to the hospital after suffering a life-threatening reaction and was placed in intensive care at the Royal Derby Hospital.
The Arrest and Its Aftermath
Following the incident, Bunting was arrested upon his return to the UK.
In a dramatic moment, he was paraded in handcuffs around Luton Airport before being taken to St Mary’s Wharf police station in Derby.
He was held for two hours in a cell before being questioned by officers.
Bunting, whose real name is Joseph Spendlove, was accused of conspiring to kill Hoskins, a charge that caused him significant distress.
For the next 18 months, Bunting lived in constant torment, waiting for the investigation’s conclusion.
The ordeal severely affected his life, with Bunting saying his professional career had been put on hold.
He had to move away from Derby, as the case followed him everywhere, and he could not return to the hotel where he had worked for years.
Relief After CPS Decision
Finally, in March 2025, Bunting received the news he had been waiting for. A letter arrived for his family from a solicitor, confirming that the CPS had decided to take no further action against him.
The relief was immense, not just for Bunting but also for his mother, who had been equally stressed by the prolonged legal battle.
Bunting recalled the emotional moment his mother called him with the good news, saying, “We weren’t really expecting good or bad news, but when the letter came through, she was so relieved. It had been a long, hard journey.”
The Ongoing Legal Battle
While Bunting was cleared of the attempted murder charges, the saga is far from over.
Hoskins has now filed a claim against both Bunting and the Mickleover Court Hotel, alleging that the hotel failed to make reasonable accommodations for her cocoa allergy and that she suffered unfair treatment as a result.
She is pursuing an employment tribunal for discrimination, claiming that Bunting was part of a plot to harm her by leaving the chocolate in the cupboard.
Hoskins has stated that her allergy is so severe that simply being in the presence of cocoa products, like chocolate, could lead to anaphylactic shock, potentially resulting in death.
She claims that the hotel was well aware of her condition but failed to take proper precautions.
Bunting’s Perspective on the Case
From Bunting’s point of view, the incident was a misunderstanding.
He explained that he had brought the chocolate to work for himself and his colleagues, unaware that Hoskins was not in the office that day due to being off sick.
According to Bunting, he never intended for Hoskins to come into contact with the chocolate.
“I wasn’t even in the country when the reaction happened,” Bunting stated, adding that the hotel had several other opportunities for people to bring chocolate into the space during those five days.
Bunting also questioned the validity of the claims, given the number of people who could have brought chocolate into the hotel during that period.
He even pointed out that the club sold chocolate protein bars, which could have been another source of exposure for Hoskins.
A New Chapter in Morocco
Since the legal drama began, Bunting moved to Morocco, where he has found some peace and stability.
There, he has continued his work as an online coach and embraced the warmer climate of North Africa.
Bunting has also found personal happiness, recently getting engaged to his partner.
He shared that the thought of marrying his partner has helped him get through the difficult year. “It’s been a year of hell, but now I have something to look forward to,” he said.
The Road Ahead
While the criminal charges have been dropped, the case is far from settled.
Both Bunting and Hoskins are set to face off in an employment tribunal, where the hotel and Bunting will defend themselves against allegations of discrimination and unfair treatment.
The ongoing legal battles highlight the deep complexities of the case and the emotional toll it has taken on everyone involved.
As for Bunting, he hopes to move forward and rebuild his life, having been given the justice he believes he deserved.
“The whole thing turned my life upside-down,” he said, reflecting on the past year and a half.
“But now, finally, I can start to heal and move on.”
What Happens Next?
The legal saga continues to unfold, and it remains to be seen how the employment tribunal will rule on Hoskins’ claims.
For now, Bunting remains focused on his future, both personally and professionally, as he seeks closure after a tumultuous period in his life.