Eamonn Holmes Disappears from GB News Following Concerning On-Air Behaviour
Television presenter Eamonn Holmes has vanished from GB News screens days after alarming fans by appearing to fall asleep and slur his words during a live broadcast. The 66-year-old broadcaster, who hosts Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie, sparked widespread concern during his appearance last Wednesday, 11 March, when he seemed to doze off in his chair while co-hosting with Ellie Costello.
Viewer Alarm and Network Response
During the broadcast, Holmes was seen playing with his microphone and mobile phone before apparently nodding off while interviewing Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones MP. As Costello quizzed Jones about the Mandelson files, Holmes closed his eyes and later struggled to put a lid on a pen. The presenter hasn't been on air since, with Mark White and Stephen Dixon filling in for him.
Viewers quickly took to social media to express their worries. One X user wrote: '@GBNEWS Please help Eamonn Holmes. He's obviously struggling, falling asleep this morning. Slurring his words. The guy needs medical assistance!!' Another speculated: 'It looks like eamonn holmes has been axed by GBNEWS for falling asleep live on air while presenting the breakfast show.'
GB News confirmed to Daily Mail that Holmes is currently on annual leave, though his absence has prompted questions from concerned followers who noticed his disappearance immediately after the incident.
Health Struggles and Industry Challenges
The concerning episode comes amid Holmes's ongoing health battles. The broadcaster has faced multiple medical issues in recent years, including a double hip replacement in 2016, three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis in 2021, and major spinal surgery the following year. He currently uses a wheelchair and requires daily carer assistance.
In a recent podcast appearance on Session7 with Scott Wright, Holmes opened up about his difficulties, stating: 'I don't know, society's ageist, I'm sick, I'm in a wheelchair, that's been horrendous to deal with for two years. Certainly, I don't think TV wants to know you.' He detailed the challenges of navigating public spaces while disabled, criticizing accessibility arrangements in cinemas and other venues.
Career Background and Recent Frustrations
Holmes has been a prominent figure in British television for decades, presenting shows including GMTV, This Morning with ex-wife Ruth Langsford, and various other programmes. He joined GB News in 2022 to host his breakfast show.
Last October, Holmes expressed frustration about accessibility issues during a GB News broadcast, complaining: 'I want to talk to people and explain I've got special needs. I need a bathroom with bars so I can hold and stand up in the shower... but you just cannot speak to anybody. But nobody cares.'
A source told The Sun: 'It hasn't gone unnoticed that Eamonn has been struggling a lot more lately. Today he was falling asleep on air and slurring his words. There were lots of messages coming in about it.' The network has made no further comment about his condition or return date beyond confirming his annual leave status.
