GB News Shake-Up: Eamonn Holmes Replaced After Fiery Union Jack Debate
Eamonn Holmes was absent from his usual presenting slot on GB News on Monday, with no explanation given for his sudden disappearance. The 64-year-old, who typically co-hosts the programme with Isabel Webster from Monday to Wednesday, was replaced by familiar face Nana Akua.
The experienced broadcaster, known for his time on This Morning, was last seen on the show on Tuesday, where he clashed heatedly with a guest during a debate about the Union Jack flag. Akua, who first joined GB News in 2021, and Webster seamlessly transitioned into the day's news, which included a report on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's waning support for US Vice President Kamala Harris.
The heated debate on Tuesday saw Holmes locked in a tense exchange with anti-racism activist Imarn Ayton, who argued that the Union Jack flag was divisive and carried âassociations with the far-rightâ. The discussion arose from a report about a Norfolk village divided over whether to fly the flag, with concerns that it might âscare people awayâ.
Holmes, however, countered Ayton's view, arguing that the flag held different significance in Northern Ireland, where he grew up. He maintained that it represented âsomething political and anti to a certain religionâ and asserted that he had a different perspective on the flag's symbolism.
The exchange escalated into a heated back-and-forth, with Ayton accusing Holmes of lacking sensitivity towards other beliefs and views. Holmes, in turn, expressed frustration, shouting âDon't lecture me - give me a break!â and defending his position of trying to see both sides of the argument.
The incident on Tuesday followed a separate occasion last week where Holmes made a comment about his co-host Ellie Costello's breasts, drawing a surprised reaction from her. The comment, made during a discussion about men walking around topless during a heatwave, was deemed inappropriate by some viewers.
Holmes' absence from Monday's broadcast comes amidst ongoing speculation about his personal life. He recently confirmed his relationship with Katie Alexander, a relationship therapist, after separating from his wife Ruth Langsford.
The news of Holmes' new relationship sparked a reaction from George Alexander, Katie's ex-husband. He expressed sympathy for Langsford, saying he understood her feelings after his own divorce from Katie and took two years to recover from the heartbreak. He asserted that his ex-wife was a compassionate individual and would undoubtedly consider Langsford's emotional state.
GB News has not yet publicly addressed Holmes' absence or the circumstances surrounding his replacement. However, the incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Union Jack flag in Britain, as well as the need for respectful and considerate dialogue when discussing sensitive issues.
