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Eamonn Holmes

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Eamonn Holmes
Eamonn Holmes in 2009
Born (1959-12-03) 3 December 1959 (age 64)
Belfast, Northern Ireland,
United Kingdom
Occupation(s)Broadcaster, journalist
Years active1988–present
Spouse(s)Gabrielle Holmes (divorced)
Ruth Langsford (2010–present)
Children3 sons, 1 daughter
Websitehttp://www.eamonn.tv

Eamonn Holmes (born 3 December 1959)[1] is an Northern Irish[2][3] 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.

Education

Holmes is a former pupil of Holy Family Primary School in Belfast[4] and St Malachy's College[1] on the Antrim Road in Belfast. He then studied journalism at the Belfast College of Business Studies.[4]

Broadcasting career

Early career

Holmes worked for a business journal before joining Ulster Television, where he hosted Farming Ulster before becoming a presenter on regional news magazine Good Evening Ulster.[5]

Holmes later moved on to network presenting the 1980s daytime programme Open Air on BBC1.[1]

GMTV

Holmes started at GMTV in 1993, after appearing in 1992 as an earnest police constable in Inspector Morse.[6]

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".[7]

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".[8]

Holmes made his final appearance on GMTV in April 2005.[9]

Sky News

Holmes joined Sky News in October 2005 to present the new-look Sunrise programme.[10]

Partnership with Ruth Langsford

Since August 2006, Holmes has co-presented the ITV1'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.[11] The pair announced their engagement on 27 March 2009 during a live broadcast of This Morning and they married in June 2010.[12]

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.[13]

Sports presenting

Holmes has presented coverage of snooker, horse racing and darts on television[14][15] and was the main presenter of the BBC's coverage of the World Darts Championship in 1991 and 1992.[citation needed] 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.[16][17] From 2000-2001 he presented OnDigital's coverage of the UEFA Champions League alongside Jim Rosenthal,[citation needed] and hosted The Sports Show on ITV in 1999 and 2000.[16]

Gameshow host

Holmes presented the BBC Two early evening quiz show, Sudo-Q that combined contestants' abilities to complete a modified Sudoku puzzle and to answer general knowledge questions.[18]

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.[19] Holmes was pushed by one of the protesters[19] but the incident was resolved quickly and did not impinge upon the immovable 8pm start time of the subsequent 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.[20]

In February 2004, Eamonn co-hosted the BBC One Northern Ireland show Would You Pass The 11+ with Christine Bleakley,[21] produced by Wild Rover Productions.[22]

In 2006, Holmes hosted the American version of The Rich List which lasted just one episode before being cancelled.[23]

In May 2010 he guest-presented an episode of the satirical panel show Have I Got News For You.[24] 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 celebrity contestant in Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon,[25] progressing through to Sale of the Century before getting knocked out.[citation needed]

In 2007 he appeared on All Star Family Fortunes[26] with his brothers where they defeated Holly Willoughby's family but failed to win the top prize for their nominated charity.[citation needed]

Holmes has made appearances on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes[27] as Johnny Cash[28] and on The All Star Impressions Show as Elvis Presley.[29][30]

Other TV appearances

  • In October 2011 Holmes appeared on the first episode of The Chase: Celebrity Specials.

Radio

Holmes presented The Eamonn Holmes Show on Radio 5 Live 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.[45]

He also took over Michael Parkinson's Sunday morning show on Radio 2 for a few weeks in 2008[27] and hosted his own programme on London radio station Magic 105.4.[27]

Controversies

While presenting This Morning in October 2011, Holmes described singer Jonathan Wilkes 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"[46][47] The other presenters laughed.[48]

Also in October 2011, Holmes provoked criticism by suggesting that a rape victim should take taxis in future, leading to accusations of victim blaming.[49]

Writing

Holmes writes a column for The People newspaper.[50]

Eamonn Holmes' autobiography was released in May 2006.[51] The autobiography is called This is MY Life, a reference to another famous Irish Eamonn - Eamonn Andrews, who he was named after.[7][27] It reveals some of what occurred behind the scenes during his tenure at GMTV, particularly regarding his stormy relationship with Anthea Turner.[7]

Manchester United

Holmes is a lifelong fan of Manchester United.[5] In December 2005, he opened the eulogies at the funeral of football legend George Best.[52] He also introduced Ole Gunnar Solskjær at his testimonial against R.C.D. Espanyol.[citation needed]

Charitable interests

Holmes is a Patron of the charity Kids for Kids[53] which helps villages in Darfur.

The Impressions Show portrayal and controversy

In November 2009, the impressionist Jon Culshaw 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,[54] after the programme aired the presenter instructed his lawyers to send a letter of complaint to the BBC.[55] The letter resulted in an apology from the BBC along with a withdrawal of any future comedy sketches featuring Holmes.[56] Both the complaint itself and the outcome of Holmes's legal action drew generally unfavourable criticism from media observers and online commentators.[57][58][59][60]

Honours

In 2006 Holmes was awarded an honorary degree by Queen's University Belfast.[1][61] He has also received an honorary degree from the University of Staffordshire.[62]

Personal life

Holmes married his long term partner Ruth Langsford at Elvetham Hall in Hampshire on 26 June 2010.[12] 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.[63] The couple have a son called Jack; Holmes has three children - Declan, Rebecca and Niall - from his first marriage.[12]

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!"[64]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Holmes receives honorary degree BBC News, 4 July 2006
  2. ^ Eamonn Holmes takes legal action against fat jibes on comedy sketch Metro, 19 July 2010
  3. ^ Eamonn Holmes No.1 Magazine
  4. ^ a b Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Eamonn Holmes, television presenter The Independent, 28 June 2007
  5. ^ a b "He has a passion for John Wayne movies" Belfast Telegraph, 26 April 1996
  6. ^ Eamonn and Sherlock: Were the Holmes boys separated at birth? The Independent, 25 July 2010
  7. ^ a b c Eamonn Holmes: My Life In Media The Independent, 10 July 2006
  8. ^ Tom Baker Metro, 17 October 2003
  9. ^ Holmes bids farewell to GMTV sofa BBC News, 27 April 2005
  10. ^ Sky's the limit for 'family man' Eamonn Mail Online, 19 May 2005
  11. ^ Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford set to present This Morning on Fridays The Guardian, 21 August 2008
  12. ^ a b c Holmes and partner Ruth walk down aisle Belfast Telegraph, 26 June 2010
  13. ^ Eamonn Holmes Entertains! Maxim, September 2007
  14. ^ Sport in My World: Eamonn Holmes Telegraph, 28 April 2006
  15. ^ a b Eamonn Holmes Feelgood Factor, ITV, 2009
  16. ^ a b Filmography HOLMES, Eamonn BFI - Film & TV Database
  17. ^ SIMPLY THE BEST PHIL TAYLOR V RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD BFI - Film & TV Database
  18. ^ SUDO-Q BBC Entertainment, March 2010
  19. ^ a b Lottery show delayed by protest BBC News, 20 May 2006 - Eamonn's programme is invaded by Fathers 4 Justice
  20. ^ Fathers 4 Justice storm BBC's live lottery show The Independent, 21 May 2006
  21. ^ Would You Pass The 11+ BBC Northern Ireland, December 2004
  22. ^ Wild programmes Wild Rover Productions
  23. ^ Eamonn who? Former GMTV star's quiz show flops in America The Guardian, 7 November 2006
  24. ^ Have I got News for You, Series 39, Episode 7 BBC One, 20 May 2010
  25. ^ Ant & Dec's Gameshow Marathon LocateTV
  26. ^ All Star Family Fortunes Episode Guide TV Guide
  27. ^ a b c d Eamonn Holmes - This is his Surrey life Surrey Life, March 2008
  28. ^ Anita Land: My Life In Media The Independent, 28 August 2006
  29. ^ The All Star Impression Show ITV Press Centre, 14 December 2009
  30. ^ Hamlet, The Gruffalo and the madness of Christmas TV Times Online, 14 December 2009
  31. ^ Presenters - Eamonn Holmes BBC, Songs of Praise
  32. ^ HOW CAN TV CHIEFS PAY ME AS LITTLE AS THAT? ASKS JENNY Mail on Sunday, 22 September 1996
  33. ^ Friday Night Project EpGuides.com
  34. ^ Little Miss Joceyln - Florence - Dietary Nurse - Eamonn Holmes YouTube
  35. ^ Eamonn Holmes' childhood in Belfast... and how the Troubles made him what he is today Mail Online, 26 October 2008
  36. ^ The Troubles I've Seen ITV Press Centre, 15 October 2008
  37. ^ a b Sandford St Martin Trust Religious Television Awards 2009 Shortlist Sandford Awards, 25 January 2009
  38. ^ Eamonn signs up for the Feelgood Factor ITV, January 2009
  39. ^ Big stars to help you get in shape The Sun, 15 January 2009
  40. ^ Eamonn to host entertainment TV series with Rachel Tucker Sunday Life, 4 October 2009
  41. ^ Shameless Eamonn trips light fantastic Manchester Evening News, 12 April 2010
  42. ^ Q&A: Eamonn Holmes Channel 4, April 2010
  43. ^ "Episode 1.4 - Assistant Regional Head of Sales". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 29 September 2010.
  44. ^ "Assistant Regional Head of Sales". BBC Online. Retrieved 29 September 2010.
  45. ^ Plunkett, John (8 May 2009). "Danny Baker and Christian O'Connell to front new shows on BBC Radio 5 Live". Media Guardian. Retrieved 23 May 2009.
  46. ^ O'Connor, Niall. Eamonn says sorry for calling guest 'retard'. herald.ie. 8 October 2011.
  47. ^ Sheridan, Emily. Eamonn Holmes apologises after calling This Morning guest Jonathan Wilkes 'retarded'. Daily Mail. 8 October 2011.
  48. ^ Small, Louise. Eamonn Holmes sorry for 'retarded' comment. The Belfast Telegraph. 8 October 2011.
  49. ^ "Eamonn Holmes cricised for controversial rape comment". The Telegraph. 27 October 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  50. ^ Eamonn - Man of the people The People
  51. ^ This Is My Life: Eamonn Holmes: The Autogiography Amazon.co.uk
  52. ^ Final farewell to football legend BBC News, 3 December 2005
  53. ^ Kids for Kids patrons list
  54. ^ Eamonn Holmes Eat Your Heart Out The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson, BBC Comedy, 27 November 2009
  55. ^ Eamonn Holmes threatens BBC with legal action after comedy show mocks his weight Telegraph, 19 July 2010
  56. ^ BBC apologises to Eamonn Holmes over weight jibes BBC News, 19 July 2010
  57. ^ Julie Burchill If Eamonn Holmes can't see the funny side of fatness, he should lay off the pies Belfast Telegraph, 21 July 2010
  58. ^ Eamonn Holmes gets the BBC jokes eating away at him banned The Guardian, 22 July 2010
  59. ^ Andrew M Brown If Eamonn Holmes doesn't like the BBC teasing him about being fat, there's a simple solution Telegraph, 19 July 2010
  60. ^ BBC sorry for jibe at Eamonn The Sun, 20 July 2010
  61. ^ Ulster-born TV presenter Eamonn Holmes was today presented with an honorary degree from Queen's University Belfast Telegraph, 3 July 2006
  62. ^ Honorary Doctors 1986 - 2005 University of Staffordshire
  63. ^ Only in Hello! Eamonn and Ruth marry surrounded by showbiz friends Hello!, 28 June 2010
  64. ^ Jane Simon; Brian McIver (21 July 2010). "Dad'll do nicely". Daily Record. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)


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