Eamonn Holmes
Encyclopedia
Eamonn Holmes is an Northern Irish
journalist
and broadcaster
. He is known for his work on UK and Irish television, notably presenting GMTV
and This Morning
. He is married to TV presenter Ruth Langsford
.
, where he hosted Farming Ulster before becoming a presenter on regional news magazine Good Evening Ulster.
Holmes later moved on to network presenting the 1980s daytime programme Open Air
on BBC1.
in 1993, after appearing in 1992 as an earnest police constable in Inspector Morse
.
One infamous interview occurred when American illusionist David Blaine
appeared on the show on 29 August 2001. Holmes cites this interview with Blaine as the most awkward moment of his professional career and one of TV's bloopers when he refused to speak and gave him the "evil eye".
While Holmes was presenting GMTV former Doctor Who actor Tom Baker
referred in a short interview with the Metro
to: "Eamonn Holmes with his terrible 'I'm eating shit' grin ...I couldn't possibly go on, I would be sick in his lap".
Holmes made his final appearance on GMTV in April 2005.
in October 2005 to present the new-look Sunrise programme.
's daytime series This Morning
, alongside his wife Ruth Langsford
. Starting in September 2008 he and Langsford became regular Friday presenters after regular co-host Phillip Schofield
moved on to the same Monday to Thursday schedule as Fern Britton
. The pair announced their engagement on 27 March 2009 during a live broadcast of This Morning and they married in June 2010.
Holmes and Langsford were portrayed as fictionalised versions of themselves in Rob Brydon
's satirical sit-com on life behind the cameras on a topical news quiz, Annually Retentive.
, horse racing
and darts
on television and was the main presenter of the BBC's coverage of the World Darts Championship
in 1991 and 1992. He was also the presenter of ITV's coverage of the Phil Taylor vs. Raymond van Barneveld
showdown at the Wembley Conference Centre
in 1999. From 2000-2001 he presented OnDigital
's coverage of the UEFA Champions League
alongside Jim Rosenthal
, and hosted The Sports Show on ITV in 1999 and 2000.
early evening quiz show, Sudo-Q
that combined contestants' abilities to complete a modified Sudoku
puzzle and to answer general knowledge questions.
He was the presenter of the National Lottery
quiz Jet Set. On 20 May 2006, Eamonn's National Lottery programme, was invaded by Fathers 4 Justice
protesters just as the lottery draws were about to take place. Holmes was pushed by one of the protesters but the incident was resolved quickly and did not impinge upon the immovable 8pm start time of the subsequent 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.
In February 2004, Eamonn co-hosted the BBC One Northern Ireland
show Would You Pass The 11+ with Christine Bleakley
, produced by Wild Rover Productions.
In 2006, Holmes hosted the American version of The Rich List which lasted just one episode before being cancelled.
In May 2010 he guest-presented an episode of the satirical panel show Have I Got News For You
. During the episode he parodied his former GMTV presenting style by doing one round from a sofa at the side of the set.
contestant in Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon, progressing through to Sale of the Century
before getting knocked out.
In 2007 he appeared on All Star Family Fortunes
with his brothers where they defeated Holly Willoughby
's family but failed to win the top prize for their nominated charity
.
Holmes has made appearances on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes as Johnny Cash
and on The All Star Impressions Show as Elvis Presley
.
on Saturday mornings between 9 and 11am for 6 years. The last edition of this programme was aired on 30 May 2009 as Holmes' contract with the BBC
was not renewed.
He also took over Michael Parkinson
's Sunday morning show on Radio 2
for a few weeks in 2008 and hosted his own programme on London radio station Magic 105.4.
as a "retard" on air. He later apologised after complaints and calls for him to be sacked. Holmes said "I have to say sorry to three or four of you who are upset because I used the word retarded. You seem to have taken it personally or think I am being insulting. I would never want to do that. There is this man who has an autistic child and said I insulted his child. I would never use it in that context. Sorry if that caused you offence" The other presenters laughed.
Also in October 2011, Holmes provoked criticism by suggesting that a rape victim should take taxis in future, leading to accusations of victim blaming
.
appeared as Holmes on The Impressions Show
in a series of three comedy sketches in which he was portrayed as having an appetite so uncontrollable that he eats a sofa, flowers and even a guest (Frankie Dettori
), using the catchphrase 'I was fierce hungry, so I was'. Even though Holmes had interviewed Culshaw and his co-star Debra Stephenson
on This Morning
to promote the show, after the programme aired the presenter instructed his lawyers to send a letter of complaint to the BBC. The letter resulted in an apology from the BBC along with a withdrawal of any future comedy sketches featuring Holmes. Both the complaint itself and the outcome of Holmes's legal action drew generally unfavourable criticism from media observers and online commentators.
newspaper.
Eamonn Holmes' autobiography
was released in May 2006. The autobiography is called This is MY Life, a reference to another famous Irish Eamonn - Eamonn Andrews
, who he was named after. It reveals some of what occurred behind the scenes during his tenure at GMTV, particularly regarding his stormy relationship with Anthea Turner
.
legend George Best
.
He also introduced Ole Gunnar Solskjær
at his testimonial against R.C.D. Espanyol.
which helps villages in Darfur
.
by Queen's University Belfast. He has also received an honorary degree from the University of Staffordshire for being a fat tugger.
at Elvetham Hall in Hampshire on 26 June 2010. The couple sold exclusive rights to report on the wedding ceremony and the reception to Hello!
magazine in a deal that saw the publication feature the event over two issues, in July 2010. The couple have a son called Jack; Holmes has three children - Declan, Rebecca and Niall - from his first marriage.
Eamonn Holmes is opposed to LGBT parenting
. He once told two gay male parents in a year 2000 GMTV episode, he told them "You are not meant to have children. You are going against nature!"
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
and broadcaster
Presenter
A presenter, or host , is a person or organization responsible for running an event. A museum or university, for example, may be the presenter or host of an exhibit. Likewise, a master of ceremonies is a person that hosts or presents a show...
. He is known for his work on UK and Irish television, notably presenting GMTV
GMTV
GMTV was the national Channel 3 breakfast television contractor, broadcasting in the United Kingdom from 1 January 1993 to 3 September 2010. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of ITV plc. in November 2009. Shortly after, ITV plc announced the programme would end...
and This Morning
This Morning (TV series)
This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
. He is married to TV presenter Ruth Langsford
Ruth Langsford
Ruth Langsford is an English television presenter.Langsford began her career as a continuity announcer and newscaster with ITV regional station TSW in the South West of England...
.
Education
Holmes is a former pupil of Holy Family Primary School in Belfast and St Malachy's College on the Antrim Road in Belfast. He then studied journalism at the Belfast College of Business Studies.Early career
Holmes worked for a business journal before joining Ulster TelevisionUTV
UTV is a television channel based in the UK region of Northern Ireland. The channel is the Channel 3 or Independent Television licensee for Northern Ireland and is operated by UTV Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of UTV Media.- Terrestrial :* Analogue: Normally tuned to 3 * Freeview : 3...
, where he hosted Farming Ulster before becoming a presenter on regional news magazine Good Evening Ulster.
Holmes later moved on to network presenting the 1980s daytime programme Open Air
Open Air (TV series)
Open Air was BBC1's flagship programme for their new daytime service which began on 27 October 1986. In 1987 an additional early morning episode was added, following the end of Breakfast Time, to help promote and inform viewers what topics would be covered in the main edition.Open Air was similar...
on BBC1.
GMTV
Holmes started at GMTVGMTV
GMTV was the national Channel 3 breakfast television contractor, broadcasting in the United Kingdom from 1 January 1993 to 3 September 2010. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of ITV plc. in November 2009. Shortly after, ITV plc announced the programme would end...
in 1993, after appearing in 1992 as an earnest police constable in Inspector Morse
Inspector Morse (TV series)
Inspector Morse is a detective drama based on Colin Dexter's series of Chief Inspector Morse novels. The series starred John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis. Dexter makes a cameo appearance in all but three of the episodes....
.
One infamous interview occurred when American illusionist David Blaine
David Blaine
David Blaine is an American illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has made his name as a performer of street and close-up magic. He has set and broken several world records...
appeared on the show on 29 August 2001. Holmes cites this interview with Blaine as the most awkward moment of his professional career and one of TV's bloopers when he refused to speak and gave him the "evil eye".
While Holmes was presenting GMTV former Doctor Who actor Tom Baker
Tom Baker
Thomas Stewart "Tom" Baker is a British actor. He is best known for playing the fourth incarnation of the Doctor in the science fiction television series Doctor Who, a role he played from 1974 to 1981.-Early life:...
referred in a short interview with the Metro
Metro (Associated Metro Limited)
Metro is a free daily newspaper in the United Kingdom published by Associated Newspapers Ltd . It is available from Monday to Friday each week on many public transport services across the United Kingdom.-History:The paper was launched in London in 1999, and can now be found in 14 UK urban centres...
to: "Eamonn Holmes with his terrible 'I'm eating shit' grin ...I couldn't possibly go on, I would be sick in his lap".
Holmes made his final appearance on GMTV in April 2005.
Sky News
Holmes joined Sky NewsSky News
Sky News is a 24-hour British and international satellite television news broadcaster with an emphasis on UK and international news stories.The service places emphasis on rolling news, including the latest breaking news. Sky News also hosts localised versions of the channel in Australia and in New...
in October 2005 to present the new-look Sunrise programme.
Partnership with Ruth Langsford
Since August 2006, Holmes has co-presented the ITV1ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
's daytime series This Morning
This Morning (TV series)
This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
, alongside his wife Ruth Langsford
Ruth Langsford
Ruth Langsford is an English television presenter.Langsford began her career as a continuity announcer and newscaster with ITV regional station TSW in the South West of England...
. Starting in September 2008 he and Langsford became regular Friday presenters after regular co-host Phillip Schofield
Phillip Schofield
Phillip Bryan Schofield is an English broadcaster and television personality best known for presenting shows such as This Morning, Dancing on Ice, and various game shows including The Cube.-Early life and career:...
moved on to the same Monday to Thursday schedule as Fern Britton
Fern Britton
Fern Britton is an English television presenter, known as the former main co-presenter on the ITV magazine programme This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield. She left the show on 17 July 2009, her 52nd birthday.- Early life :...
. The pair announced their engagement on 27 March 2009 during a live broadcast of This Morning and they married in June 2010.
Holmes and Langsford were portrayed as fictionalised versions of themselves in Rob Brydon
Rob Brydon
Rob Brydon is a BAFTA-nominated Welsh actor, comedian, radio and television presenter, singer and impressionist...
's satirical sit-com on life behind the cameras on a topical news quiz, Annually Retentive.
Sports presenting
Holmes has presented coverage of snookerSnooker
Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a green baize-covered table with pockets in each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. A regular table is . It is played using a cue and snooker balls: one white , 15 worth one point each, and six balls of different :...
, horse racing
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
and darts
Darts
Darts is a form of throwing game where darts are thrown at a circular target fixed to a wall. Though various boards and games have been used in the past, the term "darts" usually now refers to a standardised game involving a specific board design and set of rules...
on television and was the main presenter of the BBC's coverage of the World Darts Championship
BDO World Darts Championship
The BDO World Darts Championship is a world championship competition in darts, organised by the British Darts Organisation . It began in 1978, and was the only world championship tournament until 1994...
in 1991 and 1992. He was also the presenter of ITV's coverage of the Phil Taylor vs. Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld , nickname Barney is a professional darts player. He is a five time World Darts Champion, and two time UK Open Champion. From January to June 2008, he was the PDC world number one ranked player...
showdown at the Wembley Conference Centre
Wembley Conference Centre
Wembley Conference Centre was a conference centre near Wembley Stadium, Wembley, in London, England.-History:Opened in 1977, it was the first purpose built Conference Centre in the UK. Events included conferences, corporate hospitality, annual general meetings, banquets and sports events including...
in 1999. From 2000-2001 he presented OnDigital
ITV Digital
ITV Digital was a British digital terrestrial television broadcaster, which launched a pay-TV service on the world's first digital terrestrial television network as ONdigital in 1998 and briefly re-branded as ITV Digital in July 2001, before the service ceased in May 2002. Its main shareholders...
's coverage of the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
alongside Jim Rosenthal
Jim Rosenthal
Jim Rosenthal is a sports presenter on British television.-Early life:Rosenthal grew up in Oxford and attended Josca's Preparatory School before going to Magdalen College School...
, and hosted The Sports Show on ITV in 1999 and 2000.
Gameshow host
Holmes presented the BBC TwoBBC Two
BBC Two is the second television channel operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It covers a wide range of subject matter, but tending towards more 'highbrow' programmes than the more mainstream and popular BBC One. Like the BBC's other domestic TV and radio...
early evening quiz show, Sudo-Q
SUDO-Q
SUDO-Q was a BBC quiz show hosted by Eamonn Holmes for four series between 5 December 2005 and 23 March 2007. The format was based on a mix of the number puzzle Sudoku and general knowledge questions.-Round 1:...
that combined contestants' abilities to complete a modified Sudoku
Sudoku
is a logic-based, combinatorial number-placement puzzle. The objective is to fill a 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid contains all of the digits from 1 to 9...
puzzle and to answer general knowledge questions.
He was the presenter of the National Lottery
National Lottery (United Kingdom)
The National Lottery is the state-franchised national lottery in the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.It is operated by Camelot Group, to whom the licence was granted in 1994, 2001 and again in 2007. The lottery is regulated by the National Lottery Commission, and was established by the then...
quiz Jet Set. On 20 May 2006, Eamonn's National Lottery programme, was invaded by Fathers 4 Justice
Fathers 4 Justice
Fathers 4 Justice began as a fathers’ rights organisation in the United Kingdom. It became prominent and frequently discussed in the media following a series of high-visibility stunts and protests often in costume. It was temporarily disbanded in January 2006, following allegations of a plot by...
protesters just as the lottery draws were about to take place. Holmes was pushed by one of the protesters but the incident was resolved quickly and did not impinge upon the immovable 8pm start time of the subsequent 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.
In February 2004, Eamonn co-hosted the BBC One Northern Ireland
BBC One Northern Ireland
BBC One Northern Ireland is the national variation for BBC Northern Ireland of the network BBC One service broadcast by the BBC. The service is broadcast in Northern Ireland from Broadcasting House in Belfast...
show Would You Pass The 11+ with Christine Bleakley
Christine Bleakley
Christine Louise Bleakley is a television presenter from Northern Ireland. She joined Daybreak on ITV as co-presenter with Adrian Chiles in September 2010...
, produced by Wild Rover Productions.
In 2006, Holmes hosted the American version of The Rich List which lasted just one episode before being cancelled.
In May 2010 he guest-presented an episode of the satirical panel show Have I Got News For You
Have I Got News for You
Have I Got News for You is a British television panel show produced by Hat Trick Productions for the BBC. It is based loosely on the BBC Radio 4 show The News Quiz, and has been broadcast since 1990, currently the BBC's longest-ever running television panel show...
. During the episode he parodied his former GMTV presenting style by doing one round from a sofa at the side of the set.
Gameshow contestant
In September and October 2005 Holmes appeared as a celebrityCelebrity
A celebrity, also referred to as a celeb in popular culture, is a person who has a prominent profile and commands a great degree of public fascination and influence in day-to-day media...
contestant in Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon, progressing through to Sale of the Century
Sale of the Century
Sale of the Century is a television game show format that has been screened in several countries in various incarnations since 1969. The show found its biggest success in Australia, where it aired weeknights from 1980 to 2001...
before getting knocked out.
In 2007 he appeared on All Star Family Fortunes
All Star Family Fortunes (series 2)
The second series of All Star Family Fortunes began on ITV on 27 October 2007. It is scheduled for a ten week run. It runs every Saturday night with the exception of the last two episodes of the series which are scheduled to air on 25 December and 5 January 2008 respectively...
with his brothers where they defeated Holly Willoughby
Holly Willoughby
Holly Marie Willoughby is an English television presenter and model, known for her work in presenting children's TV and entertainment shows. In her early career she modelled underwear and went on to present CD:UK...
's family but failed to win the top prize for their nominated charity
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
.
Holmes has made appearances on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes as Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
and on The All Star Impressions Show as Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
.
Other TV appearances
- Holmes has occasionally presented Songs of PraiseSongs of PraiseSongs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
- Holmes has appeared on the judging panel for the Pride of Britain AwardsPride of Britain AwardsThe Pride of Britain Awards is an annual event in the United Kingdom, honouring ordinary people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations....
a few times. - Holmes is a former host of Holiday on BBC OneBBC OneBBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
- In 1995 he replaced Des LynamDes LynamDesmond Michael "Des" Lynam, OBE is an Irish television and radio presenter based in the UK.He has hosted television coverage of high profile events for many years...
as co-host of How Do They Do That?How Do They Do That?How Do They Do That? is a British television show, produced by Reg Grundy Productions and broadcast on BBC1 from 1994 to 1997. Originally presented by Des Lynam and Jenny Hull, it explored feats of engineering, organization, and special effects...
with Jenny Hull - Holmes was the guest host for an episode of The Friday Night ProjectThe Friday Night ProjectThe Sunday Night Project was a British comedy-variety show by Princess Productions that first aired on Channel 4 in February 2005 under the title The Friday Night Project...
for Channel 4Channel 4Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel... - In 2008, he made a guest appearance in the BBC ThreeBBC ThreeBBC Three is a television network from the BBC broadcasting via digital cable, terrestrial, IPTV and satellite platforms. The channel's target audience includes those in the 16-34 year old age group, and has the purpose of providing "innovative" content to younger audiences, focusing on new talent...
sketch show, Little Miss JocelynLittle Miss JocelynLittle Miss Jocelyn is a British TV sketch comedy written by and starring Jocelyn Jee Esien. The show is made up of studio sketches and hidden camera footage in which unsuspecting members of the public become part of a sketch.-History:... - In 2007, he presented Eamonn Holmes' 50 Film Favourites shown on EMAPEMAPEmap Limited is a British media company, specialising in the production of business-to-business magazines, and the organisation of business events and conferences...
Performance TV's music channels, including The HitsThe HitsThe Hits was a music video channel in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, owned by Box Television.-Overview and availability:The channel showcased a range of pop centering on chart hits and current favourites... - In 2008, he authored a film for ITV1ITV1ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
called The Troubles I've Seen in which he and other famous faces from Northern IrelandNorthern IrelandNorthern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
recalled growing up in there during The TroublesThe TroublesThe Troubles was a period of ethno-political conflict in Northern Ireland which spilled over at various times into England, the Republic of Ireland, and mainland Europe. The duration of the Troubles is conventionally dated from the late 1960s and considered by many to have ended with the Belfast...
. The film was nominated for a Sandford St Martin AwardSandford St. Martin TrustThe Sandford St. Martin Trust is a United Kingdom-based religious charity established in 1978 that promotes excellence in religious broadcasting...
in 2009. The Troubles I've Seen was a Bite Yer Legs production - In January-March 2009 he hosted fitness programme The Feelgood Factor on ITV1 with Myleene KlassMyleene KlassMyleene Angela Quinn is an English singer, pianist, media personality and occasional model. She was formerly a member of the defunct British pop band Hear'Say.-Early life:...
- In late 2009, he presented The Friday Show, a six-part entertainment series for BBC Northern IrelandBBC Northern IrelandBBC Northern Ireland is the main public service broadcaster in Northern Ireland.The organisation is one of the three national regions of the BBC, together with BBC Scotland and BBC Wales. Based at Broadcasting House, Belfast, it provides television, radio, online and interactive television content...
alongside I'd Do AnythingI'd Do Anything (BBC TV series)I'd Do Anything is a 2008 talent show-themed television series produced by the BBC in the United Kingdom and broadcast on BBC One. It premièred on 15 March 2008...
star Rachel TuckerRachel TuckerRachel Tucker is a Northern Irish singer and actress who competed as one of the finalists in the BBC talent show-themed television series I'd Do Anything in 2008... - In April 2010 he appeared in an episode of the hit-drama ShamelessShamelessShameless is a British television drama series set in Manchester on the fictional Chatsworth council estate. Produced by Company Pictures for Channel 4, the first seven-episode series aired weekly on Tuesday nights at 10pm from 13 January 2004...
- In September 2010 Holmes appeared on the The King is Dead episode "Assistant Regional Head of Sales"
- On 3 December 2011 Holmes appeared on an episode of The ChaseThe Chase (game show)The Chase is a British game show, broadcast on ITV . It is hosted by Bradley Walsh. The chasers are Mark Labbett, Shaun Wallace, both of whom have been Chasers since Series 1, Anne Hegerty, who joined them in Series 2, and Paul Sinha, who debuted in Series 4.-Format:A team of 4 contestants attempt...
: Celebrity Specials playing for a charity of his choice.
Radio
Holmes presented The Eamonn Holmes Show on Radio 5 LiveBBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
on Saturday mornings between 9 and 11am for 6 years. The last edition of this programme was aired on 30 May 2009 as Holmes' contract with the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
was not renewed.
He also took over Michael Parkinson
Michael Parkinson
Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE is an English broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his interview programme, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007.- Early life :...
's Sunday morning show on Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
for a few weeks in 2008 and hosted his own programme on London radio station Magic 105.4.
Controversies
While presenting This Morning in October 2011, Holmes described singer Jonathan WilkesJonathan Wilkes
Jonathan Wilkes is an English television presenter, actor and musician. Jonny Wilkes is currently performing as Billy Flynn in Chicago at The Cambridge Theatre, London. He is also the best friend of singer Robbie Williams...
as a "retard" on air. He later apologised after complaints and calls for him to be sacked. Holmes said "I have to say sorry to three or four of you who are upset because I used the word retarded. You seem to have taken it personally or think I am being insulting. I would never want to do that. There is this man who has an autistic child and said I insulted his child. I would never use it in that context. Sorry if that caused you offence" The other presenters laughed.
Also in October 2011, Holmes provoked criticism by suggesting that a rape victim should take taxis in future, leading to accusations of victim blaming
Victim blaming
Victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime, an accident, or any type of abusive maltreatment are held entirely or partially responsible for the transgressions committed against them. Blaming the victim has traditionally emerged especially in racist and sexist forms...
.
The Impressions Show portrayal and controversy
In November 2009, the impressionist Jon CulshawJon Culshaw
Jonathan Peter Culshaw is an English impressionist and comedian. He was educated at St Bede's RC High School, Ormskirk and St John Rigby College, in Orrell, Wigan....
appeared as Holmes on The Impressions Show
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson
The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson is a British comedy sketch show which stars impressionists Jon Culshaw and Debra Stephenson. A second series was broadcast between 14 November 2010 - 23 December 2010 and a third series started on the 26 October 2011 at 8.30pm on BBC One...
in a series of three comedy sketches in which he was portrayed as having an appetite so uncontrollable that he eats a sofa, flowers and even a guest (Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
), using the catchphrase 'I was fierce hungry, so I was'. Even though Holmes had interviewed Culshaw and his co-star Debra Stephenson
Debra Stephenson
Debra Stephenson is an English actress, comedian, impressionist and singer.-Career:At the age of fourteen Stephenson appeared on BBC TV's Opportunity Knocks, winning her way through to the All-Winners' Final, broadcast live from the London Palladium...
on This Morning
This Morning (TV series)
This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
to promote the show, after the programme aired the presenter instructed his lawyers to send a letter of complaint to the BBC. The letter resulted in an apology from the BBC along with a withdrawal of any future comedy sketches featuring Holmes. Both the complaint itself and the outcome of Holmes's legal action drew generally unfavourable criticism from media observers and online commentators.
Writing
Holmes writes a column for The PeopleThe People
The People, previously known as the Sunday People, is a British tabloid Sunday-only newspaper. The paper was founded on 16 October 1881.It is published by the Trinity Mirror Group.In July 2011 it had an average daily circulation of 806,544....
newspaper.
Eamonn Holmes' autobiography
Autobiography
An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
was released in May 2006. The autobiography is called This is MY Life, a reference to another famous Irish Eamonn - Eamonn Andrews
Eamonn Andrews
Eamonn Andrews, CBE , was an Irish television presenter based in the United Kingdom.-Life and career:...
, who he was named after. It reveals some of what occurred behind the scenes during his tenure at GMTV, particularly regarding his stormy relationship with Anthea Turner
Anthea Turner
Anthea Millicent Turner is an English television presenter and media personality.-Education:Turner was educated at the independent St. Dominic's High School in Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent....
.
Manchester United
Holmes is a lifelong fan of Manchester United. In December 2005, he opened the eulogies at the funeral of footballFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
legend George Best
George Best
George Best was a professional footballer from Northern Ireland, who played for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team. He was a winger whose game combined pace, acceleration, balance, two-footedness, goalscoring and the ability to beat defenders...
.
He also introduced Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the manager of Norwegian first division side Molde. He is better known as a former footballer who spent most of his career playing for Manchester United. Often dubbed "the baby-faced assassin," he played 366 times for the Red Devils and scored 126 goals during a very...
at his testimonial against R.C.D. Espanyol.
Charitable interests
Holmes is a Patron of the charity Kids for KidsKids for Kids
Kids for Kids is a British charity that was created to help children struggling to survive in remote villages in Darfur, Sudan. It is one of the three nominees for International Development Charity of the Year at the UK Charity Awards....
which helps villages in Darfur
Darfur
Darfur is a region in western Sudan. An independent sultanate for several hundred years, it was incorporated into Sudan by Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1916. The region is divided into three federal states: West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Darfur...
.
Honours
In 2006 Holmes was awarded an honorary degreeHonorary degree
An honorary degree or a degree honoris causa is an academic degree for which a university has waived the usual requirements, such as matriculation, residence, study, and the passing of examinations...
by Queen's University Belfast. He has also received an honorary degree from the University of Staffordshire for being a fat tugger.
Personal life
Holmes married his long term partner Ruth LangsfordRuth Langsford
Ruth Langsford is an English television presenter.Langsford began her career as a continuity announcer and newscaster with ITV regional station TSW in the South West of England...
at Elvetham Hall in Hampshire on 26 June 2010. The couple sold exclusive rights to report on the wedding ceremony and the reception to Hello!
Hello!
Hello is a weekly magazine specializing in celebrity news and human-interest stories, published in the United Kingdom since 1988. Hello is sister magazine to ¡Hola!, the Spanish weekly magazine launched in Spain in 1944...
magazine in a deal that saw the publication feature the event over two issues, in July 2010. The couple have a son called Jack; Holmes has three children - Declan, Rebecca and Niall - from his first marriage.
Eamonn Holmes is opposed to LGBT parenting
LGBT parenting
LGBT parenting refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people parenting one or more children. This includes children raised by same-sex couples , children raised by single LGBT parents, and children raised by an opposite-sex couple where at least one partner is LGBT.LGBT people can...
. He once told two gay male parents in a year 2000 GMTV episode, he told them "You are not meant to have children. You are going against nature!"
External links
- Official website
- EamonnHolmes Twitter
- Eamonn's final split from show and wife Manchester Evening News, 27 April 2005
- 'Very few people scare me' Northern Echo, 8 May 2006