Eamonn Holmes was seen making an unexpected return to ITV just 24 hours after he seemingly made a dig at his former This Morning colleague. The presenter said on Saturday (May 20) that his 'good' day ended with a 'smacker' as he broke his silence for the first time since it was announced that Phillip Schofield is 'stepping back' from This Morning.
Phillip sensationally quit This Morning after 20 years. The presenter said in a statement that the programme had 'become the story' and that he wanted to "do what I can to protect the show that I love."
Phillip, who it was confirmed had already presented his last episode on Thursday, May 18, said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story. Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love."
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The 61-year-old added: "So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers - and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Taking to Instagram early on Saturday evening, Eamonn shared a snap of himself with his adorable granddaughter, Emilia. Little Emilia is the daughter of Eamonn's eldest child, Declan, 33. Along with his ex-wife Gabriella, the presenter also shares daughter Rebecca, 31, and son Niall, 29. Eamonn also shares son Jack, 20, with his wife, fellow TV star Ruth Langsford.
The sweet snap showed the youngster planting a kiss on her Grandad's cheek as he captioned the post on Instagram: "Pappa got a smacker. U made my day darling Emilia." And on Twitter, he wrote: "Pappa got a smacker. Thank u Emilia. All in all that rounded off what turned out to be a good day."
And fans were quick to suggest his comments were a bit of a wipe at the day's events. @swainysue said: "Cheeky!" @davidj2467 commented: "Bring back R&E!!" @21UAP replied: "Super cute pic. Super smart comment." @glen_sue replied: "[Love] the photo&the comment very well worded." @grace_w_o_o_d_s added: "Not enough light- too much shade in this pic Eamonn."
Then, in a surprise, unplanned move, Eamonn made a return to ITV for the first time since he quit This Morning after 15 years at the end of 2021. The veteran broadcaster appeared on a celebrity edition of The Chase alongside Danny John-Jules, Tom Bosworth and Yunka Bokinni.
Eamonn went on to achieve a whopping £6,000 in the opening cash-building round and later went head-to-head with Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan in the next stage. Despite his incredible win, Eamonn chanced things and accepted the higher offer of £143,000 for charity.
However, he was ultimately caught by Jenny after he incorrectly pressed the wrong button before being given the boot and sent home without the cash. But his early exit from the hit quiz show didn't matter to fans who instantly took to Twitter to share their delight.
"Expecting big things here with @EamonnHolmes #TheChase," a viewer said. Another demanded: " Eamonn put him back on this morning with Ruth #TheChase." A third remarked: "So is @EamonnHolmes appearing on #TheChase tonight also a coincidence? @ITV programmers are definitely earning their pay tonight."
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