Eamonn Holmes career timeline as he quits ITV’s This Morning

Eamonn first joins the programme

It’s been 15 years since Eamonn first joined This Morning in 2006. He previously worked for Ulster Television, the BBC, GMTV and Sky News. Ruth was already at This Morning when he came on board, presenting the show since 1999.

Apology for offensive choice of words

In October 2011, Eamonn issued an apology after calling singer Jonathan Wilkes ‘retarded’ on the show, saying that he did not mean to cause ‘any sort of offence’ and adding: ‘We all make mistakes’.

Reports of behind-the-scenes row

In 2019, it was reported some people on This Morning had filed complaints about Phillip Schofield for his ‘attitude’ on set, supposedly including Ruth. However, Eamonn reassured fans that he and Ruth would not be going anywhere on the show.

Criticism over comments on 5G conspiracy

In April 2020, Eamonn was criticised for his comments on the conspiracy theory that speculates on an unfounded connection between 5G and the pandemic. Following hundreds of Ofcom complaints, the presenter read a statement the next day on the show emphasising that ‘there is no connection between the present national health emergency and 5G’.

Rumours of being axed

In September 2020, rumours were circulating that Eamonn and Ruth were going to be replaced in their Friday and school holiday slots on This Morning. Some fans expressed their fears over the news, describing the pair as ‘brilliant hosts’.

Eamonn and Ruth’s replacements revealed

Following months of rumours, in November 2020 it came out that Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary would be taking over from Eamonn and Ruth’s Friday slot. Eamonn was said to be ‘furious’ at the time, having presented the show for 14 years at that point.

Well-wishes to Alison and Dermot

Despite speculation over Eamonn being angry about being replaced on This Morning, he tweeted for fans to ‘welcome’ them onto the programme, wishing them well as he said: ‘Have a ball you two!’

Eamonn announces happy family news

Earlier this year, Eamonn was delighted to reveal on This Morning that his son, Declan, and his daughter-in-law, Jenny, were expecting a baby, meaning that he was to become a grandfather. He admitted he was ‘in tears’ over the news as Ruth celebrated at his side.

Chronic pain escalates

Having been suffering from chronic pain, in April 2021 Eamonn shared online that he was in hospital in extreme agony. Fans rushed to wish him a speedy recovery, with the broadcaster revealing in May that he was making ‘progress’.

Offensive description of Dr Zoe’s hair

In August 2021, Eamonn sparked fury among This Morning viewers when he compared Dr Zoe Williams’ hair to an ‘alpaca’, saying that he wanted to ‘pet’ her hair. He later apologised, saying he was ‘mortified’ to have caused offence.