Holmes set for ‘GMTV’ return

Irish presenter Eamonn Holmes is set to return to ‘GMTV’, it has been revealed.

The 50-year-old presenter left the television show five years ago, but is being lined up for a return alongside ‘Loose Women’ star Kate Thornton.

The former ‘X Factor’ host will now join Eamonn in presenting this Friday’s edition of ‘This Morning’ as a “pilot” to test out their chemistry and the public’s reaction.

A source said: “With Eamonn and Kate it will almost be like a pilot. If it works they will be licking their lips.

“Kate is well known to Saturday night 16-year-old viewers from her time on ‘The X Factor’ and so it makes sense that she can bring in a different audience and she has done well on ‘Loose Women’.”

Eamonn usually presents the Friday edition of ‘This Morning’ with his wife Ruth Langsford, but she is guest hosting ‘GMTV’, leaving her spot on the sofa vacant this week.

The source added: “Eamonn would usually be presenting it with Ruth, but she is covering for Lorraine Kelly on ‘GMTV’ this week.”

Another TV insider added: “It has not been signed but all sides are actively considering it. There is still some work to do but it is looking very likely.”

‘GMTV’ is currently in the middle of a big presenter shake-up, with long-time star Pennie Smith leaving in June as part of cost-cutting measures.