Eamonn Holmes has thanked fans for their support after being forced to miss the TRIC Awards due to poor health, just weeks after suffering a stroke in April. The presenter, who joined GB News after leaving ITV, expressed his gratitude to viewers after GB News won the Award for Best News Programme for the fourth consecutive year at the annual ceremony.
Holmes Speaks Out on Health and Recovery
In a message to GB News viewers, Holmes said: "I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all the viewers who took the time and trouble to vote. To win for the fourth time in a row is unbelievable, and I'm so proud to be a part of Britain's number one news channel."
While he wanted to be at the event, Holmes noted his focus is on recovery. He added: "I'd dearly wished I could have been there to celebrate with the team, but for now my focus has to be on making a full recovery and getting back to my best."
Support from Fans and Family
Holmes thanked those who sent well-wishes, saying: "I'd also like to thank everyone who has sent their kind get-well messages. They really do mean the world to me."
At the TRIC Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, Anne took the stage to share news of Holmes's absence. She said: "There are a couple of people who would love to be here but can’t. Eamonn Holmes is not very well at the moment but he is doing well, he is recovering and we hope he will be back with us very soon."
History of Health Struggles
Holmes has battled health issues for years. In 2016, he underwent surgery for both hips to alleviate chronic hip, leg, and back pain. He later fell down the stairs and fractured his shoulder, then developed a painful infection and severe spinal issues that led to bladder and bowel problems and a nine-day hospital stay. In 2022, he suffered another fall.
Following his stroke in April, his son Declan issued a statement: "I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family. What happened came as a real shock, but dad is doing OK given the circumstances and we're taking it one step at a time. For now, we're focused on him and keeping things steady around him." He added: "We'd really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family."
