Eamonn Holmes’ son Declan has shared an emotional Father’s Day message amid the TV star’s health struggles.
The GB News presenter, 66, is currently recovering from the stroke after being hospitalised in April.
Holmes has endured numerous health problems in the past few years, and recently revealed the past two years dealing with illness and mobility issues have been “horrendous”.
He also suffered a blow to his career recently, reportedly losing his job on the board of the Manchester United Foundation.
Holmes has stayed quiet on social media amid the turmoil and has failed to post on Instagram since April when he vowed to “get well soon”.
His podcaster son Declan did not pay tribute to him publicly on Father’s Day on Sunday, although he did honour his two young daughters in an emotional post.
Sharing photos of himself with them outside a pub, he wrote: “Looking back, I think I was always meant to be a dad.
“I can’t fully explain it, but of everything I’ve done in life, this role feels the most natural. It isn’t always easy, but it’s made me a better man.
“It’s given me a responsibility and a ‘why’ that nothing else ever could. My girls haven’t asked me to become those things, but somehow they’ve inspired me to.”
He concluded: “The greatest privilege I’ll ever have is being their dad. Happy Father’s Day.”
Holmes is close with his granddaughters and shared a photo of them posing with a “Get well soom[sic]” card for him in April after his stroke.
He captioned the post: “As my beautiful Granddaughters put it so well - I will do my best to get well SOOM.
“Thank you for all of your many many good wishes, they give me strength.”
Declan - who Holmes shares with ex-wife Gabrielle Holmes - previously said the stroke came as a “real shock”.
“I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family,” he penned on Instagram.
“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.”
GB News announced his stroke in April, stating: “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.”
GB News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos paid tribute to Holmes, saying: “Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we’re with him every step of the way as he recovers.”
In May, it was reported that Holmes had left his job at Manchester United.
He was allegedly hit with an “enforced break” from his role on the board of the Manchester United Foundation, with filings at Companies House showing him as “resigned” from his role as director.
Holmes underwent a double hip replacement in 2016. Five years later, he suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis.
The presenter later had spinal surgery and his ongoing mobility issues mean he now often uses a walker or wheelchair.
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.”
