Eamonn Holmes hits back after he’s accused of getting co-host sacked – as he returns to work after show shake-up
EAMONN Holmes has hit back after being accused of getting his co-host Isabel Webster sacked.
The Sun revealed last month how Isabel’s exit from GB News was caused by close relationships on the show turning sour over her working hours.
Anchor Eamonn, 65, has now returned to work after the show shake-up, sharing a snap with his new glamorous co-presenter on the breakfast show.
In his caption, he lauded Ellie Costello, 31, for being “fresh, bright and different“.
Posting an image from behind the studio desk, he wrote: “A New Year , a new day and a new Breakfast line up on @GBNews .
“It’s now Eamonn and @EllieCostellotv from 6 to 9.30 . It’s Fresh , bright , different and I hope we have your company on TV , online , on your smartphone , on your Radio and by asking your smart device to play GB News. Please join us and say Hello.”
The TV veteran was slammed by fans in the comments section, with one fuming: “Your mate got sacked for not being right wing enough and you sat back and did nothing. With friends like you…”
But Eamonn shot back: “And u know nothing !”
The abrupt split of TV duo Eamonn and Isabel shocked fans after trouble secretly brewed behind the scenes.
The 42-year-old had been locked in a secret feud with channel bosses over increasing her days on-screen from three to five a week.
A TV insider told us: “Isabel wasn’t happy that bosses were expecting her to work the full week while Eamonn stays hosting Monday to Wednesday.
“It had become a sticking point in negotiations and was causing tension behind the scenes.
“Eamonn’s obviously the main star of the show and likes to be in charge – he’s now looking forward to working with Ellie who’s a young talent he can help mould as her career progresses.”
A GB News spokesman said: “This is completely untrue.”
Eamonn was blindsided by his co-host’s axe when negotiation talks broke down in December.
They had just finished their final show of the year and had plans to celebrate Christmas with their breakfast team.
However, after “refusing to bow to demands”, Isabel was immediately replaced by up-and-coming talent Ellie.
The blonde beauty will work two days more than Isabel – joining Eamonn Monday to Wednesday, followed by Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Fridays.
Eamonn replied to a tweet about Isabel’s sudden departure, saying “Bye my girl x”.
Insiders say it was a “savage” response to Isabel’s sacking days before Christmas – as Eamonn failed to properly pay tribute to her on his social media channels.
Another source told us: “Eamonn wasn’t consulted about the decision, in fact he was totally blindsided – and his new co-host was chosen for him before he even knew Isabel was leaving.
“He and Isabel had their moments as a TV partnership. Eamonn’s a legend in the industry and a king of breakfast telly. It’s always the bigger name who works fewer days on-screen.
“As Isabel has grown more headstrong in her role as Eamonn’s co-host, there have been a few tiffs and clashes over their differing opinions, but all in all they worked well together and are good friends.
“Although, silence speaks volumes and it was quite obvious to some people there wasn’t a gushing post from Eamonn or Isabel about the end of their TV partnership.”
The Sun reached out for comment at the time.