Latest blow for Eamonn Holmes that friends fear ‘could be the worst yet’: Insiders reveal tragic twist in the GB News star’s downfall – and Ruth predicted it all

Eamonn Holmes, who does not compromise his support for Manchester United, once claimed that he would rather cheat on his wife Ruth Langsford than betray the team he loves.

It was 2016 and the presenting duo were at the peak of their powers, beaming into millions of living rooms on This Morning, their easygoing affability captivating viewers’ attention.

But a decade after he made his boast on national television, things took a sensational turn for the worse for the broadcaster. Following their divorce, his wife is now estranged from him, his health has deteriorated significantly, and the final blow may be one of the hardest yet.

Because the Daily Mail can reveal that Eamonn, 66, has now lost his role on the Manchester United Foundation board. He has held this position for approximately 19 years, that is, almost throughout the Foundation’s existence.

Founded in 2006, the charity funds and delivers education and community outreach programs that it says help young people make positive life choices by improving their health, social well-being and employability.

The master presenter is now parting ways with the club he has been affiliated with since his youth and where he went to matches with his late father.

Official filings at Companies House show that Eamonn ‘resigned’ from his role as director on 1 March. However, his termination due to filing errors was resubmitted to Companies House on 14 April.

A source told the Mail that the club gave the star a forced ‘break’ despite his years of service.

Eamonn Holmes presents UK News. Following their divorce, his wife is now estranged from him and his health has deteriorated dramatically.

‘Eamonn loves Manchester United and the Foundation; “He is one of the longest-serving members on the board of directors,” he said.

‘Even when he’s dealing with health problems, he doesn’t think about walking away. On top of everything he’s going through right now, this is an added blow for him.

‘However, standard practice means that each member should not serve more than nine consecutive years on the board; because these members may be considered “independent” and may not work objectively. This is just a ceiling benchmark and it is possible that it will remain that way for longer.

‘Although Eamonn has served two consecutive terms, this time the current chairman used his discretion to impose a mandatory ‘break’, which resulted in Eamonn stepping aside.

‘Ultimately this is out of Eamonn’s control. It is believed Eamonn could return to the board one day, but it is unclear how long the enforced break will last.’

Interestingly, when contacted by the Mail, Eamonn’s representatives would not confirm whether he had chosen to voluntarily resign from the board.

Recently the charity named a new CEO, Ashley Hackett, who will take over from John Shiels after 18 years in charge.

Eamonn has left the Foundation’s board, along with journalist and television presenter Virginia Buckley, 58.

Despite losing their roles, the pair have not updated their social media profiles, which still proudly display their old links with the club.

But the charity’s website removed them from its list of board members.

This will be a crushing blow for Eamonn, whose relationship with Manchester United runs deeper than that of the typical supporter. He was personally invited by the family of legendary Man U star George Best to conduct his funeral following the footballer’s death in 2005. Eamonn described the day as his ‘proudest’ day and described his role as master of ceremonies as ‘one of the most important roles of my life’.

And it comes just weeks before he suffers a stroke, compounding his personal woes and forcing him to take his position off the air indefinitely as presenter of the Great Britain News breakfast programme. He is supported by his girlfriend Katie Alexander, who is 22 years Eamonn’s junior.

Eldest son Declan, 37, who manages his father’s business while he recovers, said the stroke had come as a ‘shock’ for the family. Eamonn is still in the process of divorcing his estranged wife and former co-star Ruth, 66.

As Eamonn recovered from his stroke, his colleagues at GB News became increasingly concerned about his health; The mood at the broadcaster was that the veteran should not return to the role and should ‘submit gracefully’.

He was previously accused of ‘falling asleep’ on air while presenting with his co-host Ellie Costello, but Eamonn vehemently denied this and revealed he had checked his microphone.

Younger colleagues who grew up watching Eamonn on screen have great respect for him, but say he is too ill to work full-time.

An insider said: ‘The best thing Eamonn can do right now is retire. He has had an incredible career and has played a huge role in attracting a wider audience to GB News.

‘Early starts are tiring enough for a fit and healthy person. They were causing visible damage to Eamonn before he suffered a stroke. ‘He may return to broadcasting for special occasions or manage shifts while colleagues are on annual leave.’

Indeed, the former ITV presenter has been plagued by never-ending health problems in recent years. His mobility issues first started in 2016 when he had double hip replacement surgery.

Although the surgery was successful, she has endured severe and chronic pain since three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis. He has had spine surgery and has been using a wheelchair for the past few years.

It was health problems that caused Eamonn’s relationship with the club to change. He recently shared his frustration at no longer being able to use his £15,000-a-year season ticket seats because there was no room for his wheelchair. Instead, he gifted them to his son, whom he said were ‘combined hazelnuts’.

But his formerly prestigious position on the Foundation’s board meant that Eamonn had access to a special wheelchair-accessible suite at Old Trafford reserved for trustees.

Speaking to a red-cover newspaper in March, Eamonn explained: ‘I sit on the board of the Manchester United Foundation and therefore have access to the executive suite, which is more suitable for someone like me who uses a wheelchair.’

Eamonn Holmes was spotted at a football match. He recently shared his frustration at no longer being able to use his £15,000-a-year season ticket seats because there was no room for his wheelchair.

Eamonn Holmes with the team’s then manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2012

According to Eamonn, the club is not just about football; it was a family tradition and a way to bond with their own adult sons. In fact, Eamonn has previously admitted that parents have little in common with their children, but said: ‘My whole family circle is Manchester United Red.’

Eamonn, who has Declan, 37, Rebecca, 34, and Niall, 32, from his first marriage to Gabrielle Holmes, regularly spent weekends at Old Trafford with his children, including Jack, 23, whom he shares with Loose Women star Ruth.

Eamonn would proudly share photos taken from his season ticket holder seats on social media. He recalled how his first appearance at a match was when he was arrested by the police on suspicion of terrorist offences.

The Belgian Red Devils were playing Manchester United at Old Trafford and Eamonn, his father and brothers were traveling by ferry from Belfast.

His father, Leonard, had no identification when they docked in Liverpool. ‘Horrified’ Eamonn was arrested along with his family by Special Branch under the Terrorism Act. They were only released thanks to their local doctor, who was on the ship and vouched for his father.

Attending the games has long been a nostalgic experience for Eamonn. He has previously admitted: ‘Every time I go to a match it takes me back to when I was eight or nine.’

Tragically for Eamonn, that crucial bond with the team he loves is no longer there.