Few broadcasters in the United Kingdom have had the staying power, versatility, and influence of Eamonn Holmes OBE. With a career that spans over four decades, Holmes has been at the heart of Britain’s breakfast television, news coverage, and entertainment programmes. From his early beginnings at Ulster Television in Northern Ireland, through his long stint at GMTV, his years anchoring Sky News Sunrise, and his co-presenting role on This Morning, to his current work at GB News, Holmes remains one of the most recognisable and trusted figures in broadcasting.
This article provides a comprehensive profile of Eamonn Holmes — his early life, career milestones, personal life, challenges, controversies, and lasting impact on British journalism and entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Eamonn Holmes was born on 3 December 1959 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Raised in a working-class Catholic family, Holmes grew up during the Troubles, a turbulent period of political violence and social division in Northern Ireland. This environment gave him a grounded sense of resilience that would later serve him well in journalism.
He attended Holy Family Primary School and later St Malachy’s College, a prestigious grammar school in Belfast. While his family initially hoped he might pursue a stable profession like accountancy, Holmes gravitated toward media and communication. He went on to study at the Dublin College of Business Studies, where he gained skills in journalism and communication, setting him firmly on the broadcasting path.
Early Broadcasting Career at UTV
Holmes began his career in 1979 at Ulster Television (UTV), Northern Ireland’s regional ITV franchise. His first job was on Farming Ulster, a rural affairs programme. Though it might not have been glamorous, it provided invaluable experience in live broadcasting and field reporting.
His breakthrough came when he took over as anchor of Good Evening Ulster, succeeding the popular Gloria Hunniford. This move marked his shift from specialist programming to mainstream news. He quickly became a household name in Northern Ireland and developed the warmth, humour, and authority that would define his national career.
GMTV: The Nation’s Wake-Up Call
In 1993, Holmes joined GMTV (Good Morning Television), the breakfast show that replaced TV-am on ITV. For the next 12 years (1993–2005), he became one of the most familiar faces in British households every morning.
What made Holmes stand out on GMTV?
• Relatability: Holmes connected with viewers not as a distant newsreader but as a conversational host.
• Interviewing Style: He combined empathy with directness, capable of handling both light-hearted celebrity interviews and serious political conversations.
• Chemistry with Co-Hosts: Throughout his time on GMTV, Holmes built strong on-air partnerships, including with Lorraine Kelly and Fiona Phillips.
Despite criticisms that GMTV sometimes blurred the line between news and entertainment, Holmes’ professionalism and likeability anchored the programme.
Sky News Sunrise (2005–2016)
After leaving GMTV, Holmes joined Sky News as the anchor of Sunrise, the channel’s flagship breakfast programme. From 2005 to 2016, Holmes delivered a mix of breaking news, political interviews, and live updates from around the world.
This role allowed Holmes to demonstrate his hard-news credentials, balancing the lighter style of GMTV with the seriousness demanded by a 24-hour news channel. He gained respect for his ability to handle rolling coverage of major events with calm and clarity.
This Morning (2006–2021)
While anchoring at Sky, Holmes also began co-presenting ITV’s This Morning on Fridays and school holidays, alongside his wife, Ruth Langsford.
The couple’s easy chemistry became a hallmark of the show. Their banter, affectionate teasing, and natural rapport resonated with viewers who saw them as relatable and genuine. They covered lifestyle segments, celebrity interviews, and human-interest stories, blending journalism with entertainment.
For 15 years, Eamonn and Ruth became Friday favourites, giving audiences an alternative dynamic to regular hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
Channel 5 and Beyond
In addition to his ITV and Sky commitments, Holmes fronted several shows on Channel 5, including:
• Eamonn & Ruth: How the Other Half Lives (2015–2019) — a lifestyle documentary series exploring the wealthiest lives around the world.
• It’s Not Me, It’s You (2016) — a comedy panel show.
These roles further showcased his adaptability across genres — from news to factual entertainment to light comedy.
GB News (2022–Present)
In January 2022, Holmes made headlines by joining GB News, a relatively new channel aiming to provide a fresh perspective in UK media. He co-hosts the Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel programme alongside Isabel Webster.
His move to GB News was framed as a desire to have more editorial freedom and a new challenge after decades in mainstream broadcasting. Despite controversies surrounding GB News, Holmes has remained a consistent and recognisable presence on its roster.
Personal Life
Holmes’ personal life has often been as visible as his professional one.
• He married Gabrielle Holmes in 1985, and the couple had three children: Declan, Rebecca, and Niall. They separated in 1994.
• In 2010, he married his long-time partner and fellow presenter Ruth Langsford. Together they have one son, Jack. Their marriage and professional partnership have been a major part of Holmes’ public image.
Despite living in the public eye, Holmes has always emphasised family, often sharing anecdotes about his children and grandchildren.
Health Struggles
In recent years, Holmes has faced significant health challenges. He has suffered from chronic back problems that have required surgery and led to reduced mobility. At times, he has relied on a wheelchair or crutches.
Holmes has been candid about his struggles, using interviews and social media to raise awareness about chronic pain and the mental toll it can take. His openness has earned him admiration for showing vulnerability in an industry that often prizes polished appearances.
Awards and Recognition
• OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire): Awarded in the 2018 New Year Honours for services to broadcasting.
• TRIC Awards: Multiple wins for his contributions to television.
• Industry recognition has consistently cited him as one of the longest-serving and most reliable faces of UK breakfast television.
Controversies
Eamonn Holmes has also been no stranger to controversy:
• Some on-air remarks over the years sparked backlash and required apologies.
• His move to GB News was divisive, with critics questioning the channel’s editorial stance.
• Despite criticism, Holmes has remained unapologetic about speaking his mind, which is part of what endears him to loyal fans.
Style and Persona
Holmes’ appeal lies in his unique combination of qualities:
• Warmth and wit: He brings humour and relatability even to serious settings.
• Live TV expertise: With thousands of hours on air, he has the rare ability to handle unpredictable live moments with composure.
• Versatility: Few broadcasters can move as seamlessly between news, lifestyle, entertainment, and current affairs.
Legacy and Influence
Eamonn Holmes’ legacy is multifaceted:
1. Breakfast Television Pioneer: Alongside peers like Lorraine Kelly and Susanna Reid, he helped define what UK morning television looks like today.
2. Cross-Genre Success: From newsrooms to panel shows, Holmes has shown that a broadcaster can be both serious and entertaining.
3. Longevity: His career longevity — more than 40 years — sets him apart in a media landscape often driven by rapid turnover.
4. Mentorship: Holmes has been an inspiration for many younger broadcasters, demonstrating that authenticity and connection with viewers are more important than showmanship.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Eamonn Holmes
- Who is Eamonn Holmes?
Eamonn Holmes OBE is a Northern Irish broadcaster and journalist, best known for presenting GMTV, Sky News Sunrise, This Morning, and more recently GB News Breakfast.
- How old is Eamonn Holmes?
Eamonn Holmes was born on 3 December 1959, which makes him 65 years old in 2025.
- What is Eamonn Holmes famous for?
He is famous for being one of the UK’s longest-serving breakfast television presenters, anchoring GMTV for 12 years, Sky News Sunrise for 11 years, and co-presenting This Morning with Ruth Langsford.
- Is Eamonn Holmes married?
Yes. Eamonn Holmes married Ruth Langsford in 2010. He was previously married to Gabrielle Holmes (1985–1994). He has four children.
- What health issues does Eamonn Holmes have?
Holmes has suffered from chronic back pain and spinal problems, leading to surgeries and mobility struggles. He has openly discussed living with pain and using mobility aids.
- Why did Eamonn Holmes leave This Morning?
In 2021, ITV announced changes to This Morning’s presenting line-up. Holmes and Langsford stepped back from their Friday slot, with Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond taking over.
- What channel is Eamonn Holmes on now?
As of 2025, Holmes is a presenter on GB News, where he co-hosts the breakfast programme with Isabel Webster.
- Has Eamonn Holmes won any awards?
Yes. He was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to broadcasting and has won several TRIC Awards during his career.
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