GB News Breakfast Show Faces Viewer Backlash Over 'Unprofessional' Snack Segment
GB News viewers have expressed frustration and announced they were compelled to 'switch off' the channel's breakfast programme on Monday after witnessing what they described as an 'unprofessional' habit from its hosts. The incident occurred during a segment where presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello paused regular news coverage to review Costello's honeymoon photographs from the Maldives.
Interrupted News Schedule for Personal Photos
Ellie Costello, 32, had recently returned from her honeymoon in the Maldives following her marriage to Gerard Durkan in July of the previous year. During the live broadcast, the schedule was abruptly halted as viewers were shown images from the sun-soaked destination. The presenters, joined by sports presenter Paul Coyte, dimmed the studio lights and created a 'cinematic screening' atmosphere to display the photos.
Paul Coyte, 59, contributed to the occasion by bringing three different flavours of popcorn for the trio to share while they flicked through the photographs. As Holmes, 66, and Coyte narrated the backstory of each snap and inquired about the couple's activities beyond the pictures, the presenters were heard crunching on snacks and rustling packaging.
Viewer Outrage Over Distracting Behaviour
Audiences at home quickly took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to voice their displeasure. Many highlighted that the hosts were talking with their mouths full, creating noise that made it difficult to hear the discussion. One viewer wrote, 'Watching Ellie’s holiday snaps while hearing Eamon talk with his mouth stuffed full is not what I switched on for. I’m off.'
Another commented, 'How unprofessional GB News! Stuffing their gobs. Just come in from work, switching straight off!' A third added, 'Whose brilliant idea was it to have these 3 scoffing crisps whilst talking over some pictures of a honeymoon most of us could not afford. Unbearable!' Further complaints included, 'Come on, guys. Is there no NEWS? I'm tired and bored of this and watching them stuffing their faces. This isn't what I pay to watch.'
Additional criticisms focused on the auditory distractions, with one viewer stating, 'Stop bloody rustling the wrappers and eating, noise is so annoying, having to turn off,' and another concluding, 'Not a good sound with eating popcorn.'
Background on Ellie Costello's Wedding
Ellie Costello and Gerard Durkan embarked on their Maldives honeymoon seven months after tying the knot in July at Chateau de Robernier, a 16th-century French castle in Provence. The couple, who have been together for seven years after meeting at university, also held a civil ceremony earlier this year at Chelsea's Old Town Hall in London.
Reflecting on their wedding, Costello described it as 'the wedding of our dreams,' noting, 'The atmosphere was electric and our guests told us they thought they were in a film. It's everything we could have possibly hoped for.' Among the attendees was her GB News co-presenter Stephen Dixon, with whom she hosts the award-winning breakfast show on Thursdays and Fridays.
Previous Viewer Complaints Over Content
This is not the first time GB News viewers have threatened to switch off due to dissatisfaction with programme content. In January, coverage of Brooklyn Beckham's family feud sparked similar outrage. During an episode, hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello, along with guests Charlie Rowley and Clare Muldoon, discussed Beckham's social media statements regarding his strained relationship with parents David and Victoria Beckham.
Viewers criticised the segment for focusing on celebrity gossip over pressing global issues. One person posted, 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn,' while another said, 'I can’t stand all this Brooklyn stuff, goodbye.' A third viewer fumed, 'Who gives a monkey's about this spoiled entitled t**t. The world is on the brink of war, and you’re endlessly talking about him.'
These incidents highlight ongoing viewer concerns about the balance between news reporting and entertainment-focused segments on GB News. Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie airs weekdays from 6am on GB News, continuing to draw mixed reactions from its audience.
