Concerns are reportedly growing for Eamonn Holmes as he remains off-air following his health troubles.
The Northern Irish broadcaster, 66, was hospitalised in April after a stroke, with bosses at GB News wishing him well for his recovery and requesting privacy while he underwent treatment.
Understandably, Eamonn has been absent from his breakfast show for the past four months, a gig he took on in 2022, originally alongside Isabel Webster before co-host Ellie Costello took over.
He’s also been inactive on social media, his last post being a picture of his granddaughters shared shortly after his stroke, with Eamonn vowing to ‘get well soon’ in the caption.
Now, however, it’s claimed that Eamonn’s future at GB News is uncertain, as TV bosses ‘barely hear’ from him, and it looks unlikely he’ll return.
As reported by the Daily Mail, GB News big wigs have had ‘limited contact’ with Eamonn since he went off, with his eldest son, Declan, in charge of his affairs for the time being.
‘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 Eamonn’s stroke, he was ‘going back and forth with lawyers’ over his £10million divorce from Ruth Langsford, from whom he split in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage.
‘Anything work-related has been going through Declan.’
Eamonn is reportedly on a £450,000 salary at GB News, making him one of its highest-paid stars.
But while he’s gone, Ellie, 32, is taking the helm, alongside a variety of co-presenters.
The publication adds that she has been instructed to ‘keep the show on the road’, although many feel the channel is now ‘in limbo’ without Eamonn.
Ellie is reportedly finding the 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 Eamonn’s set-back, 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 and went clattering to the ground.
Ultimately, 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’ve 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 Eamonn’s stroke, GB News issued a statement to update viewers.
‘Eamonn was taken ill last week, and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke,’ they shared four days later.
‘He is currently responding well to treatment.
‘Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.’
Clearly optimistic about him returning, the message concluded: ‘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.’
The stroke was the latest in years’ worth 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’s since undergone extensive physical therapy in a bid to regain independence but requires mobility aids to get around and has often been seen in a wheelchair when out with his girlfriend, Katie Alexander.
Eamonn also suffered a fall at home last May, and an ambulance had to be called.
Reflecting on his health shortly after, he admitted it had been a ‘tough year’ as he navigated life post-divorce.
‘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,’ he told The Sun.
‘But thank goodness that carers are available.’
Reps for Eamonn Holmes have been contacted for comment.
