Eamonn Holmes Faces Mounting Pressure at GB news Amidst HMRC Tax Battle
LONDON, UK - Eamonn Holmes, 65, is reportedly experiencing a “difficult” period at GB News, with sources citing a noticeable shift in his behavior as he continues to battle a notable tax dispute with HMRC (Her MajestyS Revenue and Customs).The former This Morning presenter is allegedly clashing with colleagues and exhibiting a “foul mood” behind the scenes, according to a report in the Daily Mail, as pressure mounts from the ongoing financial strain.
The turmoil stems from HMRC’s demand for back taxes related to Holmes’ time presenting Sky’s Sunrise morning show, arguing he was incorrectly classified as a freelancer. Holmes claims the tax bill has already exceeded £1 million, and HMRC is seeking an additional £250,000.
“They still want another quarter of a million pounds off me… I’ve paid them more than a million already, but they won’t stop,” Holmes reportedly fumed. “Its still going on and they want another £250,000. They’ve ruined me.”
He further stated, “They came after me and said, ‘We always said that you were self-employed? Well, we’ve thought about it, you’re not, so we want ten years of back taxes and national insurance.’ so they basically, at the most vulnerable time of my life, wrecked me financially.”
The financial pressure has reportedly forced Holmes to sell properties, including his house in Belfast and a place in Portugal, while still owing HMRC a substantial sum. He has lost two appeals against the tax assessment and faces significant legal fees. “I went back and appealed it twice and lost it twice. And lawyers fees are absolutely horrendous,” he said. Holmes has described the situation as “thievery.”
Sources at GB News suggest the stress is impacting his on-air persona. “It feels like everything is coming to a head. What happens on screen and what happens off-screen are very different,” one source told the Daily Mail. “When the cameras roll, eamonn still switches it on, but away from that it’s very messy. He’s in a foul mood,and everyone behind the scenes feels it.” The source added that “People’s patience is wearing a bit thin.”
The situation is compounded by Holmes’ recent personal life changes, including his divorce from Ruth Langsford. Friends are reportedly encouraging him to relocate to Ireland, believing he would lead a ”nicer life,” but he appears “clinging on to the fame in England.”
The split from Langsford has also involved untangling complex business interests and assets. While Holmes faces ongoing tax issues, Langsford’s business reportedly holds over £1 million in cash, according to recent accountancy figures. She is also reportedly pursuing legal action to secure her share of their £3.6 million marital home, having been granted a severance of joint tenancy, ensuring her share would not pass to Holmes upon her death.
Express Online has contacted Eamonn Holmes’ representatives and GB News for comment.
Context: Eamonn Holmes began his broadcasting career in Northern Ireland before gaining national prominence with GMTV and This Morning.He joined GB News in 2023. tax disputes involving high-profile individuals often highlight the complexities of UK tax law, notably regarding self-employment status and IR35 regulations, which aim to ensure that contractors pay similar tax and National Insurance contributions as employees.