Eamonn Holmes Breaks Silence Following Stroke Hospitalisation
GB News breakfast show host Eamonn Holmes has publicly addressed his health for the first time since suffering a stroke last week. The 66-year-old television presenter was rushed to hospital and is currently undergoing treatment, with his family confirming he is "doing OK" given the circumstances.
Heartfelt Message From Hospital Bed
Holmes shared a touching photograph from his hospital bed showing his two young granddaughters holding up a sign that read "Get well soom" with a deliberate spelling error. The veteran broadcaster emphasised the mistake in his accompanying message, writing: "Got this first thing this morning, from my two lovely granddaughters, so now doing my best to get well SOOM!!"
The presenter expressed gratitude to his fans for their overwhelming support, noting that their good wishes are providing him with strength during his recovery. His son Declan had earlier provided an update on Sunday, describing the stroke as coming "as a real shock" to the family.
GB News Statement and Temporary Replacement
GB News confirmed Holmes's condition in an official statement, revealing: "Eamonn Holmes 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."
The channel announced that Alex Armstrong will present the breakfast show in Holmes's absence this week. Holmes had been on a scheduled break from the programme and was due to return on Monday 13 April before his hospitalisation.
Family Requests Privacy During Recovery
Declan Holmes appealed for understanding as the family navigates this challenging period, stating: "I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family. For now, we're focused on him and keeping things steady around him."
He continued: "We'd really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family."
Distinguished Broadcasting Career
Holmes, originally from Northern Ireland, holds the distinction of being Britain's longest-serving breakfast news presenter with a career spanning more than four decades. He currently hosts GB News Breakfast alongside co-presenter Ellie Costello.
Before joining GB News in 2022, Holmes anchored GMTV between 1993 and 2005, presented Sky News Sunrise from 2005 to 2016, and co-hosted ITV's This Morning from 2006 until 2021.
Previous Health Challenges
The broadcaster has faced significant health issues in recent years, including dislodged discs in his back that affected his sciatic nerve and impaired mobility in his right leg. Holmes has undergone spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and has spoken openly about his difficulties with walking, occasionally using a mobility scooter.
Last May, Holmes experienced two separate falls - first at his home requiring hospital treatment, and subsequently during a live broadcast when he fell from his chair on-air.
Industry Support and Well-Wishes
Angelos Frangopoulos, chief executive of GB News, expressed solidarity with the presenter, stating: "Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we're with him every step of the way as he recovers."
The broadcasting community and viewers have flooded social media with messages of support for Holmes, who remains a popular figure in British television after his decades of morning programming.
