GB News viewers have expressed significant frustration and criticism towards the channel's breakfast programme presenters, Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello, following their recent on-air behaviour. The controversy erupted during the Monday, February 16 broadcast, which marked Costello's return to the studio after a tropical honeymoon in the Maldives.
Unprofessional Segment Sparks Outrage
During the latest episode of GB News' breakfast programme, regular news coverage was unexpectedly paused for a special presentation. This segment featured a slideshow of photographs from 32-year-old Ellie Costello's recent honeymoon trip to the Maldives, accompanied by sports presenter Paul Coyte who brought along an assortment of treats for the viewing.
Snacking During Broadcast
With the studio lighting deliberately lowered to create a cinematic atmosphere, the presenters engaged in casual snacking while the honeymoon images played on screen. Paul Coyte and Ellie Costello consumed popcorn, while veteran presenter Eamonn Holmes munched on crisps, creating audible rustling noises throughout the broadcast.
Despite Costello's enthusiastic commentary accompanying each photograph, audiences responded with immediate outrage to what many perceived as an unprofessional diversion from news content. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints from disgruntled viewers who felt the segment crossed professional boundaries.
Viewer Reactions and Complaints
One particularly frustrated viewer commented: "Watching Ellie's holiday snaps whilst hearing Eamon talk with his mouth stuffed full is not what I switched on for. I'm off." This sentiment was echoed by numerous others who took to social media to voice their displeasure.
Another viewer protested: "How unprofessional GB News! Stuffing their gobs. Just come in from work, switching straight off!" according to reports from the Express newspaper. The criticism highlighted a broader concern about the programme's content direction and professional standards.
A further irate viewer demanded: "Whose brilliant idea was it to have these three scoffing crisps whilst talking over some pictures of a honeymoon most of us could not afford. Unbearable!" This comment underscored the economic disparity some viewers felt was being flaunted during the segment.
Broader Dissatisfaction Emerges
Additional complaints poured in from viewers who found the combination of snack consumption and personal content inappropriate for a news programme. One viewer remarked: "Not a good sound with eating popcorn, but Ellie's photos are beautiful," while another grumbled: "Good morning, everyone. 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."
The auditory disturbances caused by the snack consumption proved particularly irritating for some audience members. Another disgruntled viewer wrote: "Stop bloody rustling the wrappers and eating, noise is so annoying, having to turn off." This feedback suggests the technical aspects of the broadcast were compromised by the informal segment.
Background to the Honeymoon
Ellie Costello's romantic getaway to the Maldives came seven months after she married Gerard Durkan in a spectacular three-day celebration held at a 16th-century French château. Speaking about her wedding at the time, the broadcaster revealed: "It was the wedding of our dreams. 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."
Beyond showcasing photographs during GB News' morning programme, Costello had also inundated her social media accounts with glimpses of the breathtaking Maldivian landscapes and affectionate pictures alongside her spouse. In her most recent photo collection shared before returning to work, the presenter wrote: "En route home from the most incredible honeymoon, finished off in paradise, the Maldives. So nice to chat with so many GB News fans there! Back in the studio on Monday morning, see you then! Xx."
The GB Breakfast programme airs on weekdays from 6am, though this particular episode has generated more discussion about presenter conduct than the news content itself. The incident raises questions about the balance between personal content and professional journalism in modern broadcasting formats.
