Eamonn Holmes has branded ITV bosses “sly” and “hypocritical” following his departure from the channel.
The GB News presenter, 61, has claimed the broadcaster had no wanted to announce his exit due its effects on viewing figures so made it look like it was his decision to leave.
It was announced in November last year that Eamonn was leaving ITV after hosting This Morning for 15 years alongside his wife Ruth Langsford.
However, the Irish star has revealed about the real reasons for his departure had not been clearly explained.
He told Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine: “No one explained anything to me.
“I’m all for TV companies being able to choose who works for them, but it would be nice if you were told why you were going.
“They’re sly. They didn’t want to announce that I’d been dropped because it would adversely affect audience figures, so they made it look as if I’d walked away from them rather than the other way round.”
He also went on to reignite his feud with Phillip Schofield by branding the Dancing on Ice presenter “passive aggressive”.
(Image: ITV)
Eamonn told the publication: “Phillip is renowned for snubbing people.
“He’s very passive-aggressive. It’s up to Ruth to say how she felt, but I was feeling hurt for her.
“No one would have snubbed me like that. I don’t go for presenters who think they have a special privilege or aura or influence.”
A spokesman for ITV said of Eamonn’s claims: “This isn’t a version of events we recognise and as we have said before we wish Eamonn all the very best.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Following news of the star’s departure from ITV, the channel said at the time: “We would like to wish Eamonn all of the very best in his new role.
“As a duo, Eamonn and Ruth have been part of the This Morning presenting team for the last 15 years and we thank Eamonn for all of his hard work and contribution to the show.”
Ruth still continues to work with ITV as a host on Loose Women and a member of This Morning team.
A representative for Phillip has been contacted for a comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
