Eamonn Holmes was axed from This Morning because viewers didn’t want to watch him, a newspaper report has claimed.
According to the Mail on Sunday, ITV bosses “carried out extensive analysis” which reportedly indicated the broadcaster’s popularity had declined.
Furthermore, the tabloid claims Eamonn, 62, “fell out of favour” with higher ups following comments linking 5G technology to coronavirus.
Ofcom received hundreds of complaints over the COVID conspiracy remarks and ITV was issued guidance over the matter.
As a result, Eamonn clarified his comments the day after they were made in April 2020.
Eamonn Holmes ‘axed from This Morning’
An insider is quoted as saying about Eamonn’s departure: “ITV is always looking at what the viewers want, what the people watching the show want.
Read more: Phillip Schofield and Eamonn Holmes row: This Morning’s Lisa Snowdon breaks silence
“Put it this way, they wanted change, the viewers didn’t want to watch him any more.
“Things have to change, they evolve and for him to say there was no explanation isn’t true. Maybe Eamonn just didn’t like the reasons given.”
The viewers didn’t want to watch Eamonn Holmes any more.
A representative for ITV told ED!: “Eamonn was a key part of the This Morning family for 15 years and we wish him all the best.”
What Eamonn Holmes said about This Morning and Phil
Eamonn indicated on Instagram yesterday (Saturday February 19) he had “no regrets” as he told followers he was in a “reflective mood”.
His post followed the publication of an interview with the Daily Mail Weekend magazine in which it was reported he branded This Morning bosses “sly”.
Eamonn also took a dig at former This Morning co-star Phillip Schofield, labelling him “very passive-aggressive”.
Phillip, 59, has not broken his silence on any of Eamonn’s comments.
But the Mail indicated he and ITV considered a previous report Eamonn was “snubbed” following his This Morning exit as “odd”.
A source linked the story to the timing of Eamonn’s announcement about moving to GB News. And they also suggested “things got bad” between Eamonn and Phillip.
Read more: Eamonn Holmes brands This Morning bosses ‘sly’ as he slams the show
They claimed to the Mail: “There is no love lost between Eamonn and Phil, so it is odd that Eamonn would have expected to have any contact.”
So what do you think of this story? Let us know on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.