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GB News Viewers Criticize Breakfast Show Hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello for Showing Honeymoon Photos During Live Broadcast in the UK

Temitope Oke
By Temitope Oke

GB News viewers were left frustrated on Monday morning after the Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie show took an unexpected detour into personal holiday coverage.

Hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello paused the news to showcase photographs from Ellie’s honeymoon in the Maldives, sparking complaints about unprofessional conduct during the broadcast.

A Honeymoon Showcase in the Studio

Ellie, 32, returned to the show after tying the knot last July with Gerard Durkan.

During the live programme, the hosts, joined by resident sports presenter Paul Coyte, dimmed the studio lights and shared a “cinematic screening” of the couple’s sun-soaked photographs.

Coyte even brought along three flavours of popcorn for the trio, which they munched on while discussing each image.

While the segment was intended to be lighthearted, viewers at home were irritated by the sound of rustling snack packets and the hosts talking with their mouths full.

Complaints quickly flooded social media, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay.

One viewer wrote, “Watching Ellie’s holiday snaps while hearing Eamonn talk with his mouth stuffed full is not what I switched on for. I’m off.”

Another chimed in, “How unprofessional GB News! Stuffing their gobs. Just come in from work, switching straight off!”

Ellie’s Wedding and Maldives Trip

Ellie and Gerard had their honeymoon seven months after marrying at the Chateau de Robernier, a 16th-century castle in Provence.

The couple, together for seven years after meeting at university, held a civil ceremony at Chelsea’s Old Town Hall in London.

Ellie described the wedding as “the wedding of our dreams,” adding that the Celtic tradition of tying their hands symbolized their lifelong bond.

Among the guests was co-presenter Stephen Dixon, who also appears on the breakfast show.

Viewer Frustration Over Content Choice

The Maldives segment wasn’t the first time viewers have questioned the show’s editorial decisions.

In January, coverage of Brooklyn Beckham’s family feud sparked criticism, with some viewers complaining about the focus on celebrity drama over pressing news stories.

One user commented, “The world is on the brink of war, and you’re endlessly talking about him.

Are you getting money to promote the Beckham name or something?” Others agreed that excessive focus on personal stories detracted from the morning news they tune in for.

The Hosts’ Perspective

For Eamonn, 66, and Ellie, the Maldives segment was a way to connect with the audience on a personal level and celebrate a co-host’s milestone.

The lighthearted screening was meant as a break from the usual news grind, allowing the presenters to share moments of joy and laughter with viewers.

What’s Next?

It remains to be seen whether GB News will adjust its approach to personal-interest stories in the breakfast slot.

Viewer feedback suggests a clear appetite for more news-focused content during weekday mornings.

The network may need to strike a balance between personality-driven segments and core news coverage to retain its audience.

Summary

GB News breakfast programme hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello faced backlash after pausing the show to display honeymoon photos from Ellie’s trip to the Maldives.

The live segment, which included snacks and commentary, drew criticism from viewers for being “unprofessional” and distracting from news content.

This follows earlier complaints over the show’s coverage of the Beckham family feud.

While the hosts intended the segment as a lighthearted break, audience response highlights the tension between personality-driven segments and viewers’ desire for news-focused programming.

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About Temitope Oke

Temitope Oke is an experienced copywriter and editor. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and global trends, he crafts compelling, persuasive, and engaging content tailored to various audiences. His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and brand messaging. He works with diverse clients, helping them communicate effectively through clear, concise, and impactful language. Passionate about storytelling, he combines creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that resonate.