Eamonn Holmes has hit back at critics after suffering backlash for treating his new girlfriend to a lavish overseas holiday within months of ending his marriage to presenter Ruth Langsford.
BEFORE NOW
The former TV golden couple confirmed the end of their marriage in May, 14-years after exchanging vows at Grade II listed Elvetham Hall in Hampshire.
Holmes, 64, has since embarked on a new romance with the significantly younger Katie Alexander, a 42-year old relationship counsellor.
Despite their generational differences, the 22-year age-gap did not appear to be an issue during a recent European cruise, with wheelchair-bound Holmes and his attractive girlfriend enjoying stop-offs in a variety of picturesque locations, among them Barcelona and Ibiza.
Since returning to the United Kingdom, the Irish presenter has rubbed shoulders with actress Kate Beckinsale – daughter of late Porridge and Rising Damp star Richard Beckinsale – after meeting her for the first time at an event in London on Monday evening.
But Beckinsale’s decision to strike a series of suggestive poses while having her picture taken alongside a receptive Holmes opened the floodgates on social media, with followers divided over his post-separation antics.
WHAT HOLMES SAID
Returning to Instagram on Tuesday, Holmes – evidently unhappy with the online reaction – weighed in by liking a handful of supportive messages, including one which read: ‘So many nasty comments! If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all…’
Another message favourited by the presenter read: ‘Everyone learn to be kind with the comments on here. Just leave him alone.’
‘Not interested in the stupid comments, lets remember the amazing Richard Beckinsale,’ wrote a third supporter.
