Eamonn Holmes has turned down an offer to appear on Celebrity Big Brother. The 65 year old GB News anchor was reportedly at the top of the producers’ wish list for the upcoming series, set to air next year.
Following his split from Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford after a 14-year marriage, it was thought that Eamonn would make the perfect housemate. However, due to his mobility issues and concerns about missing his new girlfriend, Katie Alexander, Eamonn decided against joining the show. This news comes amid rumours that the former This Morning star might be planning to propose to his new love. A source told the Mirror: “Eamonn was approached to do Celebrity Big Brother. He was flattered by the offer and it was a huge six-figure sum.
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
(Image: ITV)
“After giving it some serious thought, he ultimately turned it down. The logistics of navigating the house and needing a wheelchair really concerned him and he didn’t feel confident that the support he’d need would be there.”
In recent months, Eamonn has been using mobility aids such as a walking stick and an electric wheelchair following major back surgery, reports the Mirror. The TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has candidly spoken about finally being able to use a walker for short distances amidst an “epidemic of pain”. The source added: “Eamonn also values his time at home with his partner Katie, and being locked away from her for such a long period wasn’t something he could come to terms with.
“The producers were really keen to have Eamonn on the show, they saw him as a huge draw for viewers and were willing to pull out all the stops. With his controversial opinions he would made the perfect housemate. But Eamonn knows his limits, and the idea of being in such an unpredictable environment, without Katie and the support he relies on, made it a no-go.”
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The source also shared that Katie has been a pillar of strength for Eamonn after his shocking split from Ruth, having been together since 1996.
“It was a tough decision for Eamonn because the financial offer was incredibly tempting, but he has to prioritize his health and mobility,” added the source. However, Eamonn felt that given the complexities of the Celebrity Big Brother house and his reliance on mobility aids, such as a wheelchair, it simply wasn’t “realistic” for him to take part.
Despite giving it considerable thought, the broadcaster just couldn’t see how he could manage within the house. The source said: “Producers were desperate to have Eamonn involved and even tried to address some of his concerns. The money was astronomical, but for him, it’s not just about the pay cheque. The thought of being away from his partner and his home comforts didn’t feel worth the stress.”
A representative for Eamonn chose not to comment.
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