New GB News host Eamonn Holmes has said that he feels wanted by the station following on from his This Morning demotion.
The presenter and his wife Ruth Langsford had fronted the Friday edition of the ITV daytime show for 15 years but were dropped to the status of relief presenters last year as ITV instead handed their slot to Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond.
Holmes - a veteran of breakfast TV, having hosted GMTV for 12 years and Sky News for 11 years - has since left ITV in order to present the breakfast show on GB News starting from today.
Asked about the circumstances of his departure from ITV, Holmes told The Sun: "Put it this way, I'm looking forward to a move somewhere new where they're pleased to have me. But I wish everyone well at ITV.
"When I went in to meet the GB News team for the first time recently the guys actually clapped as I came in. It was very moving, and felt lovely. I can't wait to get started.
"I'm doing the breakfast show with Isabel Webster, who I know from working together at Sky, so we're just hoping to enjoy it. Our plan is to bring people a brighter breakfast."
Holmes went on to reveal that he had received well-wishes from other top presenters but had yet to be congratulated by This Morning's main presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
"There's definitely going to be some friendly rivalry as I know all the other breakfast hosts well," he said.
"Piers Morgan was the first to drop me a note and congratulate me, so did Susanna Reid, and I know Dan Walker on BBC Breakfast very well too, who has been in touch to say good luck.
"Obviously I'm in the business of trying to steal their viewers, I guess that goes without saying, but they're all great people who I know and get on with well, so it will be good-spirited.
"I haven't heard from Phil and Holly but I'm sure they will be in touch. I wish them well but my focus now is on GB News and taking ITV viewers with me on a new journey."
Breakfast with Eamonn & Isabel airs weekdays from 6am to 9.30am on GB News from today.
Neil Wilkes
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