Eamonn Holmes has hit back at critics questioning his health, insisting his partner Katie Alexander is 'the perfect tonic' as he manages daily pain and life in a wheelchair. The veteran broadcaster, 65, opened up about his struggles, revealing he is living with back issues that have affected his mobility, but says he refuses to let it define him.
Holmes underwent major spinal surgery in 2022 to tackle years of pain from slipped discs and subsequent complications, a procedure he has admitted 'went wrong' and left him with limited movement. 'I may be physically struggling, but mentally I’m still very much on the ball,' he said defiantly. 'I honestly don’t feel any different from when I started on TV over 40 years ago.'
The former daytime telly host, who split from wife Ruth Langsford in May 2024, explained he now struggles to walk for extended periods and requires assistance with day-to-day mobility. 'I do find it hard to walk long distances and on occasion need a bit of help to get dressed,' he said. 'I have friends who regularly check in and a driver to get me in and out of the car.'
Despite the challenges, he insists he is 'giving it my all' and brushing off critics who accused him of falling asleep on air. 'The frustrating thing is, people see the photos of me in vulnerable moments… but I am working. I’m giving it my all. You’ve got to keep going, and I love what I do,' he said.
Holmes found happiness with Katie Alexander, a 43-year-old child psychologist from Yorkshire, who has become his rock. 'She’s the perfect tonic,' he said, revealing the pair enjoy gentle countryside walks together. 'There was a time when I could get up and go on the treadmill… but I can’t do that now because of my back. I have arthritis in my spine and am in pain, but going on gentle walks in the countryside with Katie is the perfect tonic.'
The couple, who share a love of food and travel, have grown close over their mutual passion for Chinese cuisine, with Holmes even planning a trip to Hong Kong. 'When you share the same tastes, it really brings you closer. We’ve definitely bonded over our love of food - it’s become part of our connection,' he said.
