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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Nadia Breen

Eamonn Holmes tells how he had a 'bullying boss' who 'got a thump'

Eamonn Holmes has told how he had a 'bullying boss' who 'got thumped' by another boss who had his back.

The North Belfast man opened up in his column with the Express and also told how the "Belfast fella" in him comes out sometimes.

He said the boss he had when he was 20-years-old made him "burst into tears".

Read more: Frank Lampard surprises locals as he visits Belfast bar

In the piece, Eamonn explained: "Some have argued that a boss who rants and raves might actually end up getting the best out of the people working for them. Others have said it’s the latest example of a 'snowflake generation' which needs to learn to toughen up.

"I’m not sure I buy all that. The people I’ve respected the most in my career aren’t the ones who have been able to shout the loudest or instil fear in those around them. No. More often it’s those who say the least who left the biggest impression on me."

He believes we live in "very different times now" from when he was starting off in his career.

"At one point in my early TV career, I had a bullying boss who threw a ceramic cup at me. When that didn't get a reaction he threw a desktop telephone. His closing act was to then slam a heavy metal Adler typewriter towards my feet.

"That one got the desired effect he was looking for. I burst into tears.

"I was 20 years of age. I can only assume he was jealous that my career was going upwards and he was a failed on-screen presenter pushing pens behind a desk.

"Power over profile. He had the power but I had the profile. It was resolved when another boss, who had my back, grabbed him by the neck and thumped him.

"I didn't have a problem again," the TV presenter added.

Eamonn then went on to say how the 'Belfast fella' in his shows through sometimes.

Eamonn Holmes (Eamonn Holmes/Instagram)

He said in the Express: "But that’s not to say I’ve been happy to let people walk over me. Nobody bullies me. I grew up in Northern Ireland and there have been a few points throughout my career where the Belfast fella in me has come out, especially if I see a member of my team being treated unfairly.

"The TV industry is all about being nice and civil, but it can also create monsters.

"I’ve had guests over the years who’ve demanded their dressing rooms be painted a certain colour, or all the plastic be removed, with just 15 minutes’ notice."

The 63-year-old added: "There was one time when an American actor came into the studio for an interview.

"Suddenly her PR person harangued one of my junior researchers saying: 'Oh, is there a couch? My client can’t sit on that couch.'

I saw this altercation going on and stepped in and asked if there was a problem, saying: 'Sorry – I didn’t realise you were being interviewed on the programme?' The PR person replied: 'I’m not.' So I said: 'Well on your bike then.'"

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