Eamonn Holmes is looking increasingly unlikely to return to his GB News breakfast show following a stroke in April, according to television industry insiders.
The 66-year-old veteran broadcaster was hospitalised four months ago and vowed to regain his health. At the time, producers insisted they were "with him every step of the way" and described him as a "much-loved member of the family." However, sources report that executives are now grappling with an escalating on-air talent crisis caused by his prolonged absence.
Insiders state that television bosses have had limited contact with Holmes, whose eldest son Declan is now managing his work affairs while he recuperates. "Everyone has started to accept Eamonn won't be coming back to do the same job as he did before. They have barely heard from him in months and he isn't on social media any more," an insider said.
Declan has taken over communication to shield his father from extra stress. Before the stroke, Holmes was involved in legal discussions with lawyers regarding his divorce from estranged wife Ruth Langsford. "Anything work-related has been going through Declan," the insider added.
Holmes, who first started out in television in 1979 as a reporter for Ulster Television (UTV), is one of the channel's highest-paid stars, commanding an annual salary of £450,000.
A spokesman for GB News strongly contested the claims, describing them as "ludicrous and completely untrue" and adding that "it is preposterous to suggest GB News has barely heard from Eamonn in months."
Presenter Pressure and On-Air Departures
Behind the scenes, production staff have expressed growing concern for 32-year-old Ellie Costello, who joined as Holmes's co-host in 2025 following the sacking of Isabel Webster, 43. Webster is one of several high-profile departures from the channel, alongside veteran presenters Alastair Stewart and Simon McCoy.
Costello has been forced to keep the "show on the road" with a rotating series of guest presenters. Privately, she has admitted her struggles to close colleagues and friends. "GB Breakfast has been in limbo ever since his stroke. Poor Ellie has been incredible despite struggling. She has shown up day in, day out and with a smile on her face," a source said.
"But she has made it clear she is struggling. Ellie is a relatively new presenter and she feels like she has a massive weight on her shoulders to make sure they don't lose their viewers and keep things going," the insider continued. "When she was picked to host with Eamonn she couldn't believe it, not only to anchor one of the biggest shows but to do so alongside such a legend in broadcasting. Ellie is a sweetheart off-camera and so down to earth. She is often left wondering who will be sitting beside her each morning. It has been extremely stressful."
To maintain rolling coverage, the network has been drafting in correspondents and reporters well beyond their pay grade and experience, including royal correspondent Cameron Walker, national reporter Will Godley, and newsreader Bethany Elsey. Some fill-in hosts have been tasked with presenting two full programmes a day.
Meanwhile, channel stalwarts Ben Leo and Bev Turner, considered key homegrown talent, are now based in the United States. Stephen Dixon, 50, a former Sky News colleague of Holmes who typically hosts weekend breakfast slots, has also been filling in. However, Dixon, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, was recently forced to take sick leave after his body "crashed."
"He's been a workaholic for 35 years, spending 25-plus of them on the 3am to 10am shift, but he has finally crashed," Dixon's husband Daniel said earlier this week. "For the first time ever at 50, he's on his first sick note. GB News have been incredibly supportive. He just needs a bit of time to get through this and will be back next week."
Another insider noted that on-air staffing changes are routine across television news programmes during the summer period. Nevertheless, newsroom sources indicate that executives are being urged to secure a permanent replacement, with Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley mentioned as a potential target to pair with Costello or lead a program relaunch.
"There is no star talent any more, a lot of the big names have left. Eamonn is on such a big salary because they rely on his notoriety. He has brought a lot of viewers over to the channel but now they risk losing them as he is not on screen," a source explained. "Bosses have been told countless times they need to replace him as the show can't remain up in the air for ever."
On-Air Mishaps and Health Struggles
Prior to his stroke, several staff members felt Holmes should have retired following a series of broadcast incidents, believing he should have "bowed out gracefully" and returned only for special events. On-air mishaps included falling off his chair during a live broadcast, shouting over co-presenters and guests, and making a comment to former pop star Kerry Katona about her cosmetic eye procedure for which he issued an on-air apology.
Holmes was also accused of falling asleep on air while presenting alongside Costello. He fiercely denied the claims, insisting he was merely checking his microphone.
"We know he is a legend, but it is sad to watch someone decline so much when he should be enjoying his retirement," an insider said. "Waking up in the early hours of the morning would take its toll on the healthiest of people. Eamonn admittedly loves it, he did the same thing at Sky News for years but it has had an impact. The environment is not conducive to his health and some aren't sure if he can do the job any more."
Sources also described mixed experiences working alongside the veteran broadcaster. "Eamonn can be extremely difficult to work with, but at the same time the best fun to be around. He's cheeky and pushes the boundaries with jokes, he's old school," one source noted. "But he could be so irritable around staff. He would shout a lot and had a very short temper and people tended to avoid having to interact with him as much as possible."
Longstanding Health Problems and Personal Life
Holmes has suffered from severe mobility issues for nearly a decade. His health problems began in 2016 when he underwent a double hip replacement operation. Although the surgery was successful, he later suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis, resulting in chronic pain and spinal surgery. He has relied on a wheelchair for mobility for the past several years.
In his personal life, Holmes is currently finalizing his divorce from television presenter Ruth Langsford. The couple announced their separation in 2024 after a 27-year relationship and 14 years of marriage. He is currently supported during his recovery by his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 44, who is 22 years his junior.
Ratings Ambitions and Industry Recognition
Despite internal staffing pressures, GB News continues to pursue ambitious growth targets, aiming to become the largest television news channel in the United Kingdom by 2028. Last year, the network achieved a major ratings milestone by outperforming BBC News for the first time.
In June, GB News won its fourth consecutive TRIC award from the Television and Radio Industries Club for Best News Programme. Unable to attend the ceremony in person, Holmes released a statement expressing his pride in "Britain's favourite news channel."
"I'd dearly wished I could have been there to celebrate with the team, but for now my focus has to be on making a full recovery and getting back to my best," Holmes stated at the time.
