Eamonn Holmes Sets Record Straight on On-Air Incident and Personal Feuds
Legendary broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has firmly dismissed claims that he fell asleep while presenting his GB News breakfast show, attributing the incident to technical difficulties. In an exclusive interview, Holmes explained, "I was just looking down at my mic pack to see why it was not working, as we don't have floor managers or camera operators. Apparently I was sleeping? Whatever!" The Northern Irish presenter, known for his roles on GMTV, Sky News, and ITV's This Morning, now hosts a programme on GB News and addressed the rumours with characteristic bluntness.
Healing Rifts and Holding Grudges
Holmes revealed a significant reconciliation with former GMTV co-host Anthea Turner, with whom he worked from 1994 to 1996. He stated, "I am now best friends with Anthea Turner. There used to be real hatred between us, and then I realised that Anthea was playing a part that she has been told to do. She has been very successful at it. I spoke to her tonight before I came here." This mending of fences contrasts sharply with his ongoing disdain for pop star Mariah Carey, whom he once refused to interview.
Recalling a particularly contentious encounter, Holmes said, "I have interviewed her a number of times, and she is always a complete pain in the a**." He described an incident where Carey arrived for an interview and lay down on a chaise lounge, citing fatigue from being awake since 9 a.m. Holmes, who had been up since 4 a.m., responded by lying down beside her, leading to what he called "eruptions." He recounted, "I said 'there is only one way this interview is happening. We either both lay down or we both sit up.' I was told Miss Carey would not be sitting up, and I said 'well, Mr Holmes won't be doing the interview.' I took off and left."
Life in a Wheelchair and Advocacy for Disability Access
Now 66 and using a wheelchair due to chronic back issues, Holmes spoke about his experiences as a disabled person at a live audience event at London's Hippodrome Casino with TV presenter Hayley Palmer. He expressed frustration with inadequate accessibility in public spaces, saying, "If you are in a wheelchair, you are either at the front of the cinema or the back. Why can't you be in the middle? The thing that makes me laugh is rooms that are classed as accessible in hotels. They are not at all. Everything is wrong, the bathrooms and the showers. I would love to advise hotel people as they are no use to anybody."
Controversial Views on Benefits and Parenting
Holmes, who grew up in a poor family, shared his critical perspective on the UK benefits system. He said, "Do I remember benefits? No. Do I remember going to school with no breakfast? I don’t see why it is my responsibility to feed your kids at school. The government keeps saying they have 500 new places for breakfast at school, but why is that my problem? I don't see why it is." He further commented on parenting standards, adding, "I speak to teachers who say some kids are not toilet trained or can't use knives and forks, but what kind of parents are these people? I present the news every day, and it makes me very angry what we fight for in this country. I don’t think we, as a country, can be responsible for the whole world's problems."
Thoughts on Television Standards and Politics
The TV presenter also lamented declining standards in the industry, noting, "I see people on television and have no talent whatsoever. I don't find it funny, and you see some useless person who can't read, write, or get a joke out. It is incredible." He suggested that meagre budgets are making programmes like ITV's This Morning unaffordable, predicting, "ITV will be the next one down the tubes. It will be sold to an American company, and they will make it a streaming company." Regarding his role at GB News, Holmes remarked, "I am not proud of anything. I do my job. I enjoy what I do, but I don't sit and beat my chest about how brilliant it is."
Holmes extended his criticism to the UK political system, stating, "I think our political system in this country is screwed. I have got a lot of admiration for people who go into politics, but the system corrupts them." He also briefly mentioned his relationship with disgraced BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, who was sentenced for possessing indecent images of children in 2024, saying, "Huw Edwards? I knew him very very well and was going to meet him the week after he was arrested. Did I suspect anything was wrong with him? No."
Now in a relationship with counsellor Katie Alexander, 43, and living in a penthouse apartment in Kingston, south-west London, Holmes split from his wife of 14 years, Ruth Langsford, in May 2024. His candid interview offers a glimpse into his personal and professional life, highlighting his outspoken nature and evolving perspectives.
