Concerns are growing for Eamonn Holmes as he remains off-air following his stroke, with GB News bosses reportedly having 'limited contact' with the 66-year-old broadcaster. The Northern Irish presenter was hospitalised in April after a stroke, and has been absent from his breakfast show for four months. His last social media post, a picture of his granddaughters, included a vow to 'get well soon'.
Limited contact and future uncertainty
According to a report by the Daily Mail, GB News executives have had 'limited contact' with Holmes since he went off air. His eldest son, Declan, is currently managing his affairs. 'Everyone has started to accept Eamonn won't be coming back to do the same job as he did before,' an insider said. 'They have barely heard from him in months, and he isn't on social media anymore. Declan has been really conscious not to cause his dad any more stress.'
The source added that before his stroke, Holmes was 'going back and forth with lawyers' over his £10 million divorce from Ruth Langsford, from whom he split in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage. 'Anything work-related has been going through Declan.' Holmes is reportedly on a £450,000 salary at GB News, making him one of its highest-paid stars.
Co-host Ellie Costello under pressure
While Holmes is absent, Ellie Costello, 32, has been taking the helm alongside a variety of co-presenters. The publication reports that she has been instructed to 'keep the show on the road', although many feel the channel is now 'in limbo' without Holmes. Ellie is reportedly finding the constant switch-ups 'extremely stressful', as she is 'often left wondering who will be sitting beside her each morning', despite being praised for her 'incredible job'.
Prior to Holmes' setback, there were already rumours that he could retire, with some staffers believing it was time for him to 'bow out gracefully' and return just for special broadcasts. This followed a series of live TV mishaps, such as the time he fell off his chair.
Insiders call for retirement
Insiders believe the screen 'legend' should now be allowed to 'enjoy his retirement', saving him from publicly 'declining'. 'Waking up in the early hours of the morning would take its toll on the healthiest of people,' the source continued. 'Eamonn admittedly loves it; he did the same thing at Sky News for years, but it has had an impact.' They claimed that the fast-paced environment 'is not conducive to his health', leaving other employees unhappy as higher-ups won't 'just admit he is not coming back'.
In the aftermath of Holmes' stroke, GB News issued a statement four days later, saying: 'Eamonn was taken ill last week, and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke. He is currently responding well to treatment. Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better. His colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the People's Channel when he is ready to return.'
Ongoing health struggles
The stroke was the latest in years of health woes for the ex-This Morning host, who has been open about his struggles since his chronic pain began five years ago. He has undergone extensive physical therapy to regain independence but requires mobility aids and has often been seen in a wheelchair when out with his girlfriend, Katie Alexander. Holmes also suffered a fall at home last May, requiring an ambulance. Reflecting on his health, he told The Sun: 'I have been basically disabled for a year and a half or so, and I have to have a carer to do the smallest, simplest things, and it's humiliating and humbling. But thank goodness that carers are available.'
