Eamonn

The GB News presenter continued working in a pub even after landing his first TV role at 21

GB News host Eamonn Holmes has enjoyed a career in broadcasting for decades but the Irish TV host admits that he almost never gave up his first-ever job.

The TV veteran had such a fondness for his evening job that he continued it well into the early stages of his blossoming career, until his boss eventually urged him to concentrate solely on his television aspirations.

His first television appearance came in 1979 as a reporter and presenter for Ulster Television (UTV) in Northern Ireland, and his career has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Yet Eamonn was so anxious that his TV career might suddenly dry up that he was determined to keep pulling pints while he still could, and he was in absolutely no rush to abandon his bar job before he finally did relinquish the evening role to dedicate himself fully to his television career.

Speaking to the Express. at the Young Chef, Young Waiter, Young Mixologist awards where he was a judge, Eamonn looked back on his career and said: “Nobody in the UK had been given tea time programmes at 21, so when I did, it went in my favour.

“But I was working in a pub, and the head barman said to me, ‘what is this? You serve them up the news until seven o’clock and then you’re in here at 7.30pm’.”

He revealed that his response to his manager at the time was: “But does this TV business ever last?”

The barman boldly assured Eamonn it would, invited him for a drink, and encouraged him to chase his dreams, with Eamonn saying: “That was my last night in the bar.”

Eamonn credits his bar work with helping him break into television, claiming it drew out his personality and showed him how to connect with people.

He said: “It taught me to be more relaxed with a TV audience and how to talk to people in television, so that was amazing. It was a bitb strange, I didn’t know anybody who was in television or presenting, but that’s what happened.”

His breakthrough in Ireland was merely the beginning of his broadcasting journey, transitioning to the BBC in 1986 and subsequently GMTV in 1993, where he remained until 2005, taking on a host of other television roles along the way, including stints at Sky News, BBC show Jet Set, and periodic appearances on GMB.

Eamonn’s latest venture has seen him comfortably settled at GB News, where he fronts the breakfast show.

GB News’s Breakfast Show is on weekdays at 6am

EAMONN Holmes and ex-wife Ruth Langsford’s joint business has racked up six-figure debts, new accounts reveal.

Figures filed at Companies House today reveal Holmes & Away has to fork out £251,029 on bills. 

It owes a six-figure sum to creditors, according to the figures dated 31 March 2025, and signed off by Eamonn in January. 

All are due to be ‘repaid within a year,’ and will leave the firm, which currently holds £203,055 in assets, £47,974 in the red.

The Sun has contacted representatives for Eamonn and Ruth for comment.

It’s another blow for Eamonn, who has been grappling with ongoing health issues as well as a tax dispute with HMRC which he says has cost him £1 million. 

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Holmes & Away was set up by Eamonn and Ruth back in 2009.

The former couple still co-own and co-run the firm despite splitting in 2024. 

It’s the second year in a row that the business has fallen into the red. 

In 2024 it was £22,850 in the red and owed £149,115 in bills. 

It’s a long way from the firm’s heyday.

At its peak, in 2018, it held assets of £658,680 as well as £337,477 in ongoing profits. 

Efforts to end the business relationship seem to have failed, at least as at the date of the new accounts. 

For two years running accounts have stated: “These accounts are prepared on a basis other than going concern as the company has ceased trading and plans to dissolve in the next twelve months.”

Despite its intention to close, the firm still has two employees.

In addition to his troubles at Holmes & Away, Eamonn has been outperformed by Ruth in their solo business ventures. 

Figures filed last month reveal Ruth paid herself £585,000 and held £776,889 at her solo firm, Hey Ho.

Meanwhile, Eamonn’s solo business, Red White & Green, returned a £29,093 profit in the year to 31 March 2025.

Its accounts, also filed at Companies House today, report £264,778 in funds. 

Set up in 2001, it was at the centre of his £1 million tax case that saw HMRC argue he had avoided tax through the firm. 

Veteran presenter Eamonn Holmes appeared to fall asleep at his GB News desk during his morning segment, leading to viewers sharing their concerns for the star

Eamonn Holmes has sparked concern over his well-being after appearing to fall asleep during his morning slot on GB News. The Northern Irish presenter, 66, has had a tough few years when it comes to his health, and his latest appearance has led to fans being worried about the veteran.

Eamonn was presenting his morning show on the channel during an interview with Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones MP. But he apeared to nod off momentarily during the conversation.

The host was seen fiddling his his microphone before seemingly zoning out and closing his eyes. A few seconds later, he lifted his head and focused back on his sound kit and mobile phone.

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Co-host Ellie Costello continued with the chat, but Eamonn’s antics are said to have caused concern among staff. A source speaking to The Sun said: “It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Eamonn has been struggling a lot more lately

“Today he was falling asleep on air and slurring his words. There were lots of messages coming in about it.”

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Fans were quick to share their own concern online after the chat. One user wrote: “Please help Eamonn Holmes. He’s obviously struggling, falling asleep this morning. Slurring his words. The guy needs medical assistance!!”

Another said: “Why is Eamonn Holmes basically falling asleep on air? He looks either off his face or just so tired he can’t stay awake!” And a third added: ““Concerned Eamonn Holmes seems more slurry than usual.”

Eamonn’s health concerns have been well documented in recent years. He first shared his chronic pain diagnosis in 2021. The issue was initially caused when he dislocated his pelvis. He slipped three discs and then broke his shoulder during his recovery period.

Speaking on the Session 7 podcast, Eamonn previously explained: “I’m sick. I’m in a wheelchair. That’s been horrendous to deal with for two years.

“Certainly I don’t think TV wants to know you when, I mean there’s nothing you and I are talking and no one can there’s anything wrong but I can’t get up.”

He admitted that he required daily care. However, he insisted that once he is sat in his wheelchair, he is still able to “do everything”.

Eamonn went on to acknowledge that the wider world struggles to “deal with” people with disabilities, particularly in regards to providing the appropriate accommodations.

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