Eamonn Holmes has spoken candidly about his ongoing health struggles and how they have affected his career.
The 66-year-old veteran broadcaster, who hails from Northern Ireland, said the past two years dealing with illness and mobility problems have been “horrendous”.
Speaking on Scott Wright’s podcast Session7, Holmes opened up about the challenges he faces in daily life and admitted he is uncertain about what the future holds.
“I don’t know. Society’s ageist,” he said. “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. I can’t get up. I need help getting out of this chair. I have to have carers throughout the day.
“But once I’m sitting down, I can do everything. I understand my job, I understand what I’m supposed to do. But I understand it’s tough for people to deal with you.”
Holmes has faced a number of health setbacks in recent years. In 2016 he underwent a double hip replacement, while in 2021 he suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis.
He later had spinal surgery, and his ongoing mobility issues mean he now often uses a walker or wheelchair.
During the podcast interview, Holmes also spoke about the practical difficulties he encounters navigating public spaces as a disabled person.
“When you’re disabled, it’s unbelievable how society works,” he said. “Whether it’s a theatre, a restaurant or a cinema.
“The cinema never ceases to amaze me. I love the cinema, but when you go and you’re disabled you get two choices: you’re either at the very, very back of the cinema, or you’re right at the very front.
“And you think to yourself, why is this? Why does it have to be one or the other like that?”
Holmes has been a familiar face on British television for decades, presenting programmes including GMTV, Open Air, Jet Set, TV Scrabble and How Do They Do That?
He also co-presented ITV’s This Morning alongside his former wife Ruth Langsford between 2006 and 2021.
The pair announced their split in 2024 after 14 years of marriage.
He has since moved on with girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43.
Holmes joined GB News in 2022 and currently presents Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel alongside Isabel Webster.
Last year he also spoke about the challenges of travelling with mobility needs, telling viewers during a GB News broadcast that booking accessible hotel accommodation had become increasingly frustrating.
“You can’t even phone a hotel anymore,” he said. “You’ve got to go to a website, but I don’t want to go to a website.
“I want to talk to people and explain I’ve got special needs. I need a bathroom with bars so I can hold and stand up in the shower — but you just cannot speak to anybody. Nobody cares.”
