Eamonn Holmes said 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.
Earlier this week, the show's former host launched an attack on his former colleagues Phillip and Holly Willoughby after reports of a 'rift' behind the scenes as it was claimed the ITV daytime show's hosting duo were 'barely speaking'.
Appearing on his GB News breakfast show, Eamonn called the partnership 'a broken fit' as he discussed the fallout on his GB News breakfast show. Before Phillip and Holly made their first on-screen appearance following claims of a feud, the 63-year-old said: "The public surely will suss that there's no chemistry, that it's a broken fit between the two of them and that This Morning does not depend on who presents it.
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"It's an institution, it will carry on no matter who presents it and anyone can check the viewing figures, there's no difference between whether they present it or anyone else."
And on Saturday (May 20), 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."
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."
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