Eamonn Holmes 'to be offered £250,000 fee to take part in huge reality TV show' after growing close to divorcee 22 years younger amid split from Ruth Langsford
Eamonn Holmes is reportedly being eyed up to take part in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother.
The celebrity version of the reality TV show returned to ITV in March as Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne signed up to the dramatic series.
And now Eamonn is said to be at the top of ITV's wish list for next year's series with bosses tempting him with a £250,000 fee.
A source told The Sun: 'Celebrity Big Brother bookers are drawing up a wish list of contestants and Eamonn is on it. They would love for him to take part as he'd be such a popular housemate.
'Eamonn's health concerns are something they would take into account and, when they package up an offer, they would make assurances to him that he would be looked after in the house.
Eamonn Holmes is reportedly to be offered £250,000 fee to take part in Celebrity Big Brother amid split from Ruth Langsford
Eamonn and Ruth, both 64, announced their plans to divorce last month after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together
'The offer would be a meaty six-figure sum, around £250,000, to try and tempt him in.'
The star has always been on the bosses radar for the show, however Eamonn has never wanted to take part.
Back in 2018 he rejected offers to take part on the show after saying: 'I don't need the money' yet this may have changed now he has announced his split from his wife Ruth Langsford.
Earlier this year the TV presenter, 64, said he was 'forced' to sell his Belfast home having lost £250,000 in HMRC tax battle, therefore bosses believe he could be persuaded.
MailOnline have contacted Eamonn and ITV's representatives for comment.
It comes after Eamonn was pictured earlier this week using a walking frame as he continues to struggle with his ill health.
The journalist is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him takes four months off work at the end of last year.
Eamonn and Ruth, both 64, announced their plans to divorce last month after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together.
However Eamonn has reportedly grown close to a divorcee 22 years younger than him.
A source told The Sun : 'Celebrity Big Brother bookers are drawing up a wish list of contestants and Eamonn is on it. They would love for him to take part as he'd be such a popular housemate'
Back in 2018 he rejected offers to take part on the show after saying: 'I don't need the money' yet this may have changed now he has announced his split from Ruth
He is being comforted by a younger female pal, relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, 42, who he has been on a 'string of outings with', according to The Sun.
The mother-of-three has now been seen visiting Eamonn at his rented apartment in South West London from her home in Yorkshire.
Katie was spotted driving to and from his luxury flat on Friday.
The pair reportedly struck up a friendship over the past couple of years and the publication claims Eamonn has taken her on a safari park trip, to a Manchester United game and a Beyoncé concert.
Eamonn has reportedly grown close to the woman over the past year.
While his friendship is not said to be a reason for the marriage breakdown it is understood that Ruth was unaware of her until recently and has decided to take time off work.
The source said: 'Ruth was obviously aware that her marriage was crumbling, but as details emerge, her upset has turned to anger.
'Eamonn's friend is bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him.'
Eamonn Holmes has reportedly grown close to a divorcee 22 years younger than him (pictured in red ring), following his split from wife Ruth Langsford
The pair met via Twitter after the woman commented on a post and it sparked a conversation between the pair.
Friends explained that the woman's counselling skills include coping with 'feeling sad' and 'separation and divorce' therefore it seems fitting she will be supporting Eamonn at this time of uncertainty.
One pal then told The Mirror: 'Ruth was hurt when she learned about Eamonn's friendship with another woman but she is strong and she will be back soon with a smile on her face, putting her best foot forward, as she always does.
'She needs a bit of time to regroup after everything that's gone on, which is understandable, but she plans to return to Loose Women, with renewed vigour, in July.'
The friend also insisted that there was 'no chance whatsoever' that the pair would ever get back together.
Reports claim that Eamonn and the woman made contact through social media after both being involved with a mental health charity.
A spokesperson for Ruth has said: 'Ruth had holiday time booked from Loose Women and has extended her leave. She's looking forward to returning to the show in due course.'
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It comes after MailOnline revealed Eamonn has been seeking comfort from his facialist and friend Lisa Harris amid his divorce from Ruth.
A friend of Eamonn's has now told MailOnline that Lisa has been a 'shoulder to cry on' for the GB News host, whom he and Ruth have known for years.
The source shared: ' Lisa has been there to support him during marriage problems in the past few years. They've even been out recently together.
'She's grown close to him and been there to offer a shoulder to cry on during the past few years whilst his marriage to Ruth has fell apart.'
The insider added: 'He's been a regular at Lisa's salon for several years.' The pair also attended a management party together in 2022.
The year before, Lisa's company Instagram page congratulated Eamonn and Ruth on winning a National Television Award.
Alongside a picture of the pair was the caption: 'Well done for winning the NTA, very well deserved, see you both soon.'
The Instagram profile also features snaps of Lisa with Ruth and Lizzie Cundy - who were both her clients.
Pictures obtained by MailOnline show Eamonn enjoying a catch up with Lisa earlier this year at her aesthetics clinic in Weybridge, Surrey.
Lisa treats Eamonn at her skincare clinic in Surrey as well as Ruth (pictured with Lizzie Cundy)
The TV presenter, 64, is in the midst of a divorce from wife Ruth Langsford, with friends of the Loose Women star allegedly claiming there is 'no chance' they will reunite (pictured in 2021)
After a reported three hour treatment in the salon, Eamonn emerged on his crutches before heading into his waiting car.
He seemed chirpy as he caught up with Lisa - a facialist and skin expert whose celebrity clients include Gladiator Jenny Pacey and choreographer Jason Gardiner.
It's since been claimed that Eamonn is 'done with moping around' while his marriage ends.
A source told The Sun that he was 'ready to move on', adding 'Eamonn is determined to look forward.
'It's been a tough spell but he's done with moping about and decided to cheer himself up with a short back and sides.
'The end of a marriage is tough for anyone but Eamonn is determined to look forward. Life is for living. And he's determined to try whatever is required to get back on his feet.'
MailOnline has contacted Eamonn's representatives for comment.
In contrast, friends claimed that Ruth, 64, has been left 'hurt' after discovering that Eamonn is being consoled by another unnamed blonde woman in her forties amid their split.
Ruth has been taking an extended break from Loose Women amid the separation.
Lisa is a facialist and skin expert whose celebrity clients include Gladiator Jenny Pacey and choreographer Jason Gardiner
In 2021 the company congratulated Eamonn and Ruth on winning a National Television Award sharing a snap of them captioned 'well deserved, see you both soon'
Eamonn and Ruth recently revealed they are headed for divorce after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'.
Meanwhile, Ruth was seen still wearing her wedding ring in her latest social media post on Thursday.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Ruth modelled a trendy outfit from her QVC range with the sparkler visible on her left hand as she held up her phone to capture the mirror selfie.
Posing up a storm she cut a stylish figure in a navy utility jacket, cargo trousers and wedge trainers which she layered over a sparkly T-shirt.
Last week it was claimed a pal of Ruth's said she was left ' devastated' when she discovered 'messages from another woman' to Eamonn.
While Ruth did not comment on the claims, following the revelation she appeared to take a thinly veiled dig at her estranged as she filmed herself walking their dog Maggie - who is in the centre of a custody battle between the exes .
The Instagram post was simply captioned 'Maggie. Happy Sunday', however, it was set to the song Pretty Girls Walk by Big Boss Vette - which details moving on from an ex.
In the song - which was a viral TikTok audio in early 2023 - lyrics reference moving on from hearsay.
It opens with the lines: 'No matter what the f**k these h**s talkin' 'bout / Just know you a bad b***h'.
The song also refers to moving on with a new partner, with the lyrics: 'Sh***in' on my ex (f**k him), on to the next (on God)'.
The post came after it was claimed Ruth was 'upset' at rumours the reason for her split from Eamonn was due to his health issues.
Eamonn has suffered various health woes in recent years including crippling back pain and a bout of shingles - with Ruth being by his side looking after him throughout.
And Ruth has been left sad that rumours have circulated that this contributed to their separation, according to The Sun .
It has been claimed a pal of Ruth's has said she was left 'devastated' when she discovered 'messages from another woman' on Eamonn's laptop - which was reportedly the real reason they split.
Eamonn praised Ruth for her 'amazing' support after he suffered a fall down stairs of their home in November 2022.
In 2016, Eamonn underwent a double-hip replacement operation lasting three-and-a-quarter hours after living with acute pain for many years.
Then in 2018 Eamonn detailed his battle with shingles and how he was struck with the virus on his son Declan's wedding day.
Ruth was seen still wearing her wedding ring in her latest social media post on Thursday, amid her shock split from husband Eamonn
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His years of chronic back pain started in spring 2021 - which came completely out of nowhere.
The pain become so severe that it left Eamonn reliant on a walking stick, but soon found out the root cause.
He eventually discovered it was three slipped discs that affected the movement of his right leg.
In September 2022, Eamonn was forced to step away from his GB news show as he underwent vital back surgery to aid his chronic back pain.
Then in November 2022 Eamonn endured a horrific accident which saw him fall down a set of stairs at his home in Surrey leading him to break his shoulder weeks after his huge spinal surgery .
Ruth recently said she 'lives in hope' that his mobility will improve.
Speaking to Woman's Weekly, she said: 'I don't know how much Eamonn's mobility will improve. We live in hope.
'He does the physio, but there might have to be some acceptance that this might never be 100% right. With any care situation - and there are millions of carers in this country - it isn't always easy. It's testing but we manage as a family.'
Ruth added: 'I look at Eamonn, who's had his health and back problems, and it makes you realise how important your health is.'
It comes as it has been claimed a pal of Ruth's has said she was left 'devastated' when she discovered 'messages from another woman' on Eamonn's laptop.
A source told The Sun : ' Ruth was completely taken by surprise when she saw the messages.
'She had no idea what had been going on between them. She was devastated.'
They added: 'Not only was she very upset but she was also angry.'
It comes after it emerged Ruth 'orchestrated' her split with Eamonn who is devastated and refused to sign off on the joint statement announcing the end of their near 30-year relationship.
Officially the couple said over the weekend they are 'determined to stay friends and keep things amicable'.
But from being a joint effort – the statement citing their work commitments taking their marriage 'in different directions ' was in fact arranged by Ruth, with Eamonn refusing to play a part in its release.
Eamonn reportedly told friends that he 'didn't want to get involved' and that 'Ruth can do what she wants but keep me out of it'.
Eamonn and Ruth have denied there were any problems with their relationship when asked in recent months, although friends of the couple say the marriage has been over for a year (pictured in 2009)
Eamonn and Ruth tied the knot in 2010 after 13 years together, in a lavish ceremony at the grand 19th century Hampshire hotel, The Elvetham
The former This Morning hosts revealed they had split last month after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'.
A representative said: 'Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.'
The couple tied the knot in 2010 after dating for 13 years - and say that despite their separation, they are 'determined to stay friends'.
They are parents to son Jack, 22, while Eamonn also has sons Declan, 35, Niall, 31, and daughter Rebecca, 33, from his previous marriage.
Insiders claimed on Sunday that the pair have been living separate lives for two years, with their relationship deteriorating after they left This Morning in 2021.
Eamonn has had a tough two years, losing the ITV show, as well as battling health conditions and grieving the death of his mother. The presenter is said to have been keen to move home to Belfast, but Ruth was adamant they stay put at their Surrey home.
A source told The Sun on Sunday : 'Eamonn and Ruth's relationship changed when they left This Morning. They started moving in different directions in their careers and their priorities started to change. Eamonn was desperate to return to Belfast, which he thinks of as home, but Ruth would never move. It became a bone of contention.
'As her ITV career continued, Eamonn went down another path and they became ships in the night. For the past two years they had led separate lives, professionally and personally.'