Eamonn Holmes Sparks Alarm During Live GB News Broadcast
Veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has ignited significant concern among viewers after appearing to fall asleep and slur his words during a live episode of Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie on GB News. The 66-year-old presenter, who has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, returned to screens alongside co-host Ellie Costello to deliver the latest headlines and conduct interviews.
Disturbing On-Air Behaviour During Ministerial Interview
During the Wednesday morning broadcast, right at the conclusion of the programme, Holmes was interviewing Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones MP when concerning behaviour became evident. While Costello questioned Jones about the Mandelson files, Holmes was observed with his eyes closed, seemingly asleep in the studio.
Later in the conversation, the journalist struggled to put the lid on a pen, fumbled with his microphone, and began scrolling through his mobile phone. After the interview concluded, Holmes addressed viewers with a slurred farewell: 'We'll see you bright and early again in the morning. Whatever you are up to, have a good day!'
Viewer Reactions and Internal Concerns
Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, quickly filled with alarmed comments from concerned viewers. One user wrote: '@GBNEWS Please help Eamonn Holmes. He’s obviously struggling, falling asleep this morning. Slurring his words. The guy needs medical assistance!!' Another added: '#GBN Help Eamonn Holmes. The man is falling asleep on GB News this morning!! This is quite cruel…'
A source speaking to The Sun newspaper revealed: '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.' Daily Mail has contacted GB News for official comment regarding the incident.
Holmes' Ongoing Health Battles and Industry Challenges
This concerning episode follows Holmes' recent candid discussion about his 'horrendous' health situation and his belief that the television industry has become 'ageist' towards him. The broadcaster, who underwent double hip replacement surgery in 2016, suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis in 2021, followed by major spinal surgery the subsequent year.
During an appearance on Scott Wright's Session7 podcast, Holmes opened up about his daily struggles: '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. I can't get up. I need help getting out of this chair. I have to have carers throughout the day.'
He continued: 'But once I'm sitting down, I can do everything. I understand my job, I understand what I'm supposed to do. But I understand it's tough for people to deal with you.' Holmes also highlighted accessibility challenges he faces in daily life, particularly when visiting cinemas where disabled seating options are limited to extreme front or back rows.
Distinguished Broadcasting Career
Eamonn Holmes has been a prominent figure in British television for decades, having presented numerous programmes including:
- GMTV
- Open Air
- Jet Set
- TV Scrabble
- How Do They Do That?
The journalist co-presented This Morning alongside his ex-wife Ruth Langsford from 2006 until 2021, with the couple announcing their separation in 2024 after fourteen years of marriage. Holmes has hosted Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel on GB News since 2022.
In October, Holmes expressed frustration about accessibility issues, stating during a GB News broadcast: 'Do you know what? You can't even phone a hotel anymore. 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.'
