Declan Holmes, the son of GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes, shared a heartfelt Father's Day message on Instagram, focusing on his own role as a father rather than publicly acknowledging his father's health struggles. The 66-year-old broadcaster has been recovering from a stroke since April and has remained silent on social media.
Declan's Father's Day Tribute
In an Instagram post featuring photos with his two young daughters outside a pub, Declan wrote: "Looking back, I think I was always meant to be a dad. I can't fully explain it, but of everything I've done in life, this role feels the most natural. It isn't always easy, but it's made me a better man." He added, "The greatest privilege I'll ever have is being their dad. Happy Father's Day."
Eamonn Holmes' Health and Career Struggles
Eamonn Holmes has faced multiple health issues in recent years. After being hospitalised for a stroke in April, he described the past two years dealing with illness and mobility problems as "horrendous." He often uses a walker or wheelchair due to ongoing mobility issues, following a double hip replacement in 2016, three slipped discs in 2021, and spinal surgery.
In addition to health woes, Holmes reportedly lost his job on the board of the Manchester United Foundation. Companies House filings show him as "resigned" from his director role. Holmes has not posted on Instagram since April, when he shared a photo of his granddaughters holding a "Get well soon" card and wrote: "As my beautiful Granddaughters put it so well - I will do my best to get well SOOM."
Family and Colleagues Respond
Declan previously described the stroke as a "real shock" and said the family is taking things "one step at a time." GB News announced the stroke in April, stating Holmes is "responding well to treatment" and asking for privacy. CEO Angelos Frangopoulos called Holmes "a loved member of the GB News family."
In a podcast interview, Holmes expressed uncertainty about his future in television, saying: "Society's ageist. I'm sick, I'm in a wheelchair... I don't think TV wants to know you." Despite his challenges, he noted, "Once I'm sitting down, I can do everything. I understand my job."
