Eamonn Holmes has fiercely denied claims he dozed off live on air, insisting there’s a far less dramatic explanation behind the viral moment that sparked concern among viewers.
The 66-year-old presenter found himself at the centre of online chatter earlier this month after appearing to slump in his chair during a GB News broadcast, with some viewers accusing him of “falling asleep” and noting what they described as slurred speech.
But addressing the incident head-on during an appearance at Hayley Palmer’s An Audience With… event at London’s Hippodrome Casino, Eamonn was quick to shut down the rumours. He explained that he had simply been looking down to check his microphone pack, which wasn’t working properly.
He said he was just checking why his mic pack had stopped working, adding that they don’t have floor managers or camera operators to assist. He dismissed the claims bluntly, saying people assumed he was sleeping and reacted with a shrugging “Whatever!”
At the time of the broadcast, Eamonn had been hosting alongside co-star Ellie Costello, with viewers also noticing him fiddling with his microphone and phone — moments that quickly fuelled speculation online.
The controversy came shortly before the veteran broadcaster briefly disappeared from the breakfast show, further worrying fans who had already been concerned about his on-screen condition.
But beyond the headlines, Eamonn has been quietly battling a series of serious health challenges — something he recently opened up about in raw detail.
Speaking on Scott Wright’s podcast Session7, he gave a stark update on his life now, admitting he feels increasingly sidelined by an industry he once dominated. He said he doesn’t know what the future holds, describing society as ageist and revealing he has been living with illness and using a wheelchair for the past two years — something he called “horrendous” to deal with.
He went on to admit that he believes television no longer wants him, explaining that he cannot stand unaided and requires carers throughout the day. However, he stressed that once seated, he is still fully capable of doing his job and understands exactly what is expected of him — even if others find it difficult to accommodate his situation.
Eamonn also highlighted the everyday struggles of living with a disability, pointing out how basic experiences like going to the cinema can feel isolating. He said disabled people are often forced to choose between sitting right at the front or far at the back, questioning why accessibility still feels like an afterthought.
His health journey has been long and painful. After undergoing a double hip replacement in 2016, he later suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis in 2021. This led to major spinal surgery the following year, followed by ongoing complications that have significantly impacted his mobility.
Despite everything, Eamonn remains one of the most recognisable faces in British television, with a career spanning decades across shows like GMTV, Open Air, Jet Set and This Morning, which he co-hosted alongside ex-wife Ruth Langsford for 15 years before their split in 2024.
Now in a relationship with Katie Alexander, he continues to face both personal and professional challenges — but if his latest response is anything to go by, he’s not ready to quietly fade away just yet.
