Eamonn Holmes hits out at health rumours saying girlfriend Katie, 44, is ‘the perfect tonic’

After Eamonn Holmes’ highly publicised split from ex wife Ruth Langsford, the former This Morning host has said long walks with his new partner is helping his health

18:24, 20 Mar 2026Updated 18:26, 20 Mar 2026

Eamonn Holmes hit back at people questioning his health saying girlfriend Katie, 44, is ‘the perfect tonic’

Eamonn Holmes has hit back at critics questioning his health – insisting his partner Katie is “the perfect tonic” as he is faced with the daily challenges of managing pain and life in a wheelchair. The veteran broadcaster, 65, opened up about his struggles, revealing he is living with back issues that have affected his mobility, but says he refuses to let it define him.

Holmes underwent major spinal surgery in 2022 to tackle years of pain from slipped discs and subsequent complications, a procedure he has admitted “went wrong” and left him with limited movement. “I may be physically struggling, but mentally I’m still very much on the ball,” he said defiantly. “I honestly don’t feel any different from when I started on TV over 40 years ago.”

Eamonn has said his health is improving thanks to new girlfriend Katie, 44(Image: w8media)

The former daytime telly host split with ex-wife Ruth in May 2024(Image: w8media)

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Eamonn, who has been pictured using a wheelchair in recent months, explained he now struggles to walk for extended periods and requires assistance with day-to-day mobility, with a driver on hand to help. “I do find it hard to walk long distances and on occasion need a bit of help to get dressed,” he said. “I have friends who regularly check in and a driver to get me in and out of the car.”

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But despite the challenges, he insists he is “giving it my all” – brushing off critics who have even accused him this week of falling asleep on air. “The frustrating thing is, people see the photos of me in vulnerable moments… but I am working. I’m giving it my all. You’ve got to keep going, and I love what I do,” he said.

And it’s his 43-year-old partner Katie Alexander – a child psychologist from Yorkshire – who has become his rock. In the wake of his split from wife Ruth Langsford after 14 years of marriage, Eamonn has found happiness, with Katie providing a calming escape from the pressures of his health battle and high-profile career.

“She’s the perfect tonic,” he said, revealing the pair enjoy gentle countryside walks together – a far cry from the gym sessions he once relied on before his back condition worsened. “There was a time when I could get up and go on the treadmill… but I can’t do that now because of my back. I have arthritis in my spine and am in pain, but going on gentle walks in the countryside with Katie is the perfect tonic.

The couple, who share a love of food and travel, have grown close over their mutual passion for Chinese cuisine, with Eamonn even planning a trip to Hong Kong for them to explore its famous street food scene. “Katie is the same – she absolutely loves it,” he said.

“When you share the same tastes, it really brings you closer. We’ve definitely bonded over our love of food – it’s become part of our connection.

“When we sit down for dinner, we talk about the same things, have the same interests, and that same sense of curiosity and adventure. It’s more than just flavour – it’s about being on the same wavelength. And I think that’s why we work so well together.”

Eamonn and Ruth Langsford, who fronted This Morning together, split after 14 years of marriage(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Despite their blossoming romance, the pair live separately, with Eamonn based in Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey and Katie in Yorkshire, as they navigate their relationship following his divorce. The TV star was speaking on Wednesday evening as he attended the prestigious World Young Chef Young Waiter (YYY) Competition at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Knightsbridge – an event celebrating the next generation of culinary talent.

The competition reached its climax the following evening at the Rosewood Chancery hotel in Mayfair, where Chairman Robert Walton MBE was in attendance as Team USA were crowned the overall winners. Clearly in his element, Eamonn praised the young chefs for their passion and creativity, admitting he was blown away by the experience of stepping inside a professional kitchen.

“You expect a high-pressure kitchen to be all shouting and stress… but it wasn’t like that at all. It was actually a really happy place,” he said. “Everyone was working incredibly hard… but there was a great energy about it.”

Sampling dishes including a complex Hong Kong-inspired scallop, Eamonn said the experience had reignited his love of bold flavours – even as he admits his diet isn’t exactly disciplined. “I’ve always had a real love for oriental food,” he said. “I’m tasting things I’ve never experienced before… that’s what makes it exciting.”

And when it comes to guilty pleasures, he didn’t hold back. “I like everything from bacon butties, baguettes, to custard creams,” he laughed. “Custard creams are just addictive.

“I’m quite liberal with what I eat. I wish I could be more restrictive. I can’t say no. I do enjoy food. But it’s much more difficult as you get older to shed weight…”

For now, though, it’s not food, fame or even television keeping him going – but love. And as he faces one of the toughest chapters of his life, Eamonn is proving he’s not ready to fade quietly into the background just yet.

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