Eamonn Holmes Is ‘Doing OK’ After Stroke, Son Says

Eamonn Holmes is “doing okay given the circumstances” after suffering a stroke, with his eldest son Declan saying the family is still coming to terms with the sudden medical emergency.

Declan Holmes said his father’s health scare “came as a real shock” and thanked well-wishers for their support, adding: “It means a lot to us as a family.”

GB News said on Saturday that Holmes, 66, had suffered a stroke last week and was recovering in hospital.

In a statement issued on Sunday, his son said: “What happened came as a real shock, but dad is doing okay given the circumstances and we’re taking it one step at a time.

“For now, we’re focused on him and keeping things steady around him.

“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.”

GB News said in a statement on Saturday that Holmes “was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke”.

The broadcaster added: “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.”

Alex Armstrong will step in for Holmes on air this week, the channel said.

Holmes, who was born in Belfast and currently fronts GB News Breakfast alongside co-host Ellie Costello, is Britain’s longest-serving breakfast news presenter, with a broadcasting career that has spanned more than 40 years.

Before moving to GB News in 2022, he anchored GMTV from 1993 to 2005, presented Sky News Sunrise between 2005 and 2016, and co-hosted ITV’s This Morning from 2006 until 2021.

Belfast-born Holmes, who presents GB News Breakfast with his co-host Ellie Costello, is Britain’s longest-serving breakfast news presenter, with a career spanning more than 40 years

Angelos Frangopoulos, chief executive of GB News, said on Saturday: “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.”

Holmes has faced a series of health problems in recent years after dislodging discs in his back, which he said pressed on his sciatic nerve and affected mobility in his right leg.

He has previously spoken about undergoing spinal surgery, having a double hip replacement, and the difficulties he has experienced with walking and using a mobility scooter.

Holmes also suffered two falls in May last year.

The former This Morning presenter was taken to hospital after the first fall at his home, before later falling from his chair live on air.

Source: Press Association