Veteran newscaster Eamonn Holmes was controversially cut off during a farewell speech he delivered at the end of his final broadcast as lead anchor of Sky News’ ‘Sunrise’, a post he has quit after 11 years.
On Thursday’s edition of the programme (October 13th), the 56 year old host was honoured by his colleagues as “the king of breakfast TV” as they rolled a video montage of his highlights on ‘Sunrise’ over the years. As the programme came to a close, his female colleagues Nazaneen Ghaffar, Isabel Webster and Jacquie Beltrao gave him a group hug – but before he could say his final thanks, the credits rolled and he was cut off.
It’s over and out from all of us… we’ll miss you @EamonnHolmes ?????? pic.twitter.com/NG3hjF56n3
— Isabel Webster (@SunriseIsabel) October 13, 2016
Holmes told viewers: “It has been 11 years thank you very much for putting up with me for all that time. In that 11 years I’ve had to report on some awful news but I’ve also had to report on some really fantastic news some really uplifting news and we should have more of that.
“But the main thing is it’s not important who presents the news the news is the important thing, keep on watching it, keep on doing it, Sunrise and the news continues after the break in the morning.”
The Northern Irish presenter has fronted ‘Sunrise’ since 2005, when he was poached from ITV’s ‘GMTV’ which he had anchored for 12 years. He had extended his contract for another five years in 2013, when it was rumoured that he was being headhunted to present ITV’s ‘Daybreak’, but he announced his departure in September this year.
Holmes also co-presents ‘This Morning’ with his wife, Ruth Langsford
“I cannot stress how hard it is saying goodbye to such a programme and the friends and colleagues who I have met over the years because of it – but nothing stays the same – nor should it,” Holmes said then.
He will continue to present ITV’s ‘This Morning’ alongside his wife, Ruth Langsford.
More: Eamonn Holmes stepping down from Sky News’ ‘Sunrise’ after 11 years
