GB News viewers have expressed their anger after veteran presenter Eamonn Holmes displayed what they called an "unprofessional" habit during a live broadcast, with some claiming it drove them to switch off.
Viewers Vent Fury on Social Media
The incident occurred during Tuesday's breakfast show, which Eamonn co-presented with Penny Smith. While the duo were discussing the latest headlines with commentator Oscar Reddrop, including Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's recent move to scrap non-hate crime incidents, viewers became distracted by Holmes's behaviour in the corner of the split-screen segment.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share their frustration, one viewer wrote: 'Eamonn Holmes needs to go home instead of sharing his germs.' Another criticised: 'If Holmes stopped stuffing his face, he wouldn't keep coughing and spluttering everywhere - so unprofessional.'
The complaints intensified, with a third commenting on the presenter eating on air: 'Why is Holmes allowed to stuff himself live on TV? So bl**dy unprofessional.' A fourth added a more vivid description: 'Eamonn, it doesn't look good when the crumbs from the Greggs sausage roll are falling down your suit.'
Birthday Celebrations Follow Personal Turmoil
The on-air controversy comes shortly after Eamonn celebrated his 66th birthday earlier this month live on the GB News set. Colleagues surprised him with a cake and a gift wrapped in Tottenham Hotspur paper, which the Manchester United supporter jokingly swiped at before happily receiving a Captain Scarlett model vehicle.
This birthday milestone follows a period of significant personal change for the presenter. His ex-wife, Ruth Langsford, recently revealed she turned to therapy to cope with their acrimonious split after 14 years of marriage and a 27-year relationship, which ended in June 2024. Langsford stated that counselling has been crucial in helping her "unravel" the long relationship and move forward.
A Pattern of On-Air Gripes
This is not the first time Holmes has voiced strong opinions on his show. Just the day before the eating habit complaints, he was left fuming over 'shrinkflation' affecting Christmas chocolates, joking with sports presenter Paul Coyte that chocolate oranges have become more like "chocolate tangerines." He exclaimed: 'Now, shrinkflation, it's all crazy. Do you know what, they're all ripping us off.'
The combination of his outspoken style and casual on-air demeanour continues to polarise the GB News audience, proving that for some viewers, the presenter's habits can be as contentious as the political headlines he discusses.
