LONDON — Eamonn Holmes, the 65-year-old Northern Irish broadcaster known for his decades on British screens, was whisked to hospital on May 2 after a nasty fall at his home left him in agony. The GB News presenter, who’s been battling chronic health issues for years, shared a raw glimpse of his ordeal on Instagram, posting a photo from inside an ambulance where he lay strapped to a gurney, his black Crocs poking out from under a blanket. “An unexpected journey this morning,” he wrote, his words laced with grit. “Bit of a fall on the bathroom floor. Gosh it hurts. Thank you Ambulance crew.”
Fans and followers didn’t hesitate, flooding his post with messages of support. One wrote, “Oh Eamonn, sending much love,” while another urged, “Get well soon Big man, less dancing more singing in the bathroom from here on.” The outpouring reflected the affection many hold for Holmes, a TV stalwart who’s been a fixture on shows like ITV’s This Morning and Sky News’ Sunrise, his Belfast charm enduring through a career spanning over 30 years.
Holmes’ health struggles are no secret. Since 2021, he’s been grappling with debilitating back pain sparked by a dislocated pelvis and three slipped discs. Spinal surgery in September 2022 offered some relief, but a brutal setback came weeks later when he tumbled down 18 stairs at his Surrey home, breaking his shoulder. That accident, which he described as going “boom, boom, boom” until he hit the stone floor, led to more surgery and a long recovery. He’s since relied on crutches, a wheelchair, or a mobility scooter, candidly admitting the humiliation of needing carers for basic tasks. In 2016, he underwent a double hip replacement, a procedure that followed years of mobility woes.
The May 2 incident, which happened on what Holmes called the bathroom floor, marked another chapter in his ongoing battle. He didn’t share specifics about the fall or his condition, but the image of him in the ambulance, coupled with his blunt “Gosh it hurts,” painted a vivid picture of the pain. The ambulance crew earned his gratitude, a nod to the quick response that got him to medical care.
Holmes’ personal life has also been under strain. In May 2024, he and Ruth Langsford, his wife of 14 years and co-presenter on This Morning, announced their divorce. The split, after a 27-year relationship, came amid Holmes’ health challenges, which he’s said put pressure on those around him. Langsford, 64, has stayed focused on her own path, recently expressing sadness over Holmes’ struggles but emphasizing her need to move forward.
Despite the setbacks, Holmes remains a fighter. He’s been open about his determination to keep working, co-hosting GB News’ breakfast show with Ellie Costello, even as he’s sometimes wheeled in and out of the studio. His Instagram post about the fall ended with a nod to resilience, a hallmark of a man who’s weathered public scrutiny, health crises, and personal upheaval.
As of May 2, no further updates on Holmes’ condition were shared. He was taken to hospital following the fall, and his fans continue to rally around him, their messages a testament to his enduring presence in British broadcasting.