Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were absent from the National Television Awards – due to his recent vital back surgery and their QVC schedule conflict.
The married presenter duo, who used to be regulars on NTA-winning show This Morning, are usually regular fixtures on TV’s biggest night.
But his recent health issues and her work with teleshopping channel QVC meant the pair refrained from sitting with their industry peers as they usually do on a star-studded night out in London.
No show: Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford were absent from the NTAs – due to his recent vital back surgery and their QVC schedule conflict (pictured at last year’s NTAs)
Northern Ireland presenter Eamonn, 62, recently told his new channel GB News that he had surgery around two weeks ago, speaking on October 5: ‘It’s early days, it will probably be around three weeks before they know if whether it was a success or not.’
Ruth, on the other hand, shared her busy schedule on her Instagram Stories, with one showing her traveling to and presenting on her fashion segment on the QVC teleshopping channel.
Eamonn was forced to take a step back from his show in preparation for vital back surgery on September 28.
The television personality said he is “praying” ahead of the surgery, which will relieve his static nerves.
Health issues: But Eamonn’s (pictured earlier this month) health issues and her work with QVC meant the pair didn’t sit with their peers like they usually do at the NTAs
The broadcaster suffered from long-term problems and previously reported on its battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three herniated discs.
He told the Express: “It’s an operation with a 20 per cent risk of going wrong, but the pain and limitations I’ve suffered over the past 18 months are such that I’ve decided I’m ready am taking that risk.
“In fact, it’s a risk I’m willing to take because at this moment nothing could seem worse than the constant pain that’s running through my lower back and legs.”
He said he “prays for God to lead [his] Surgeon’s Hand this week” to help him get back to “the man he used to be”.
Busy woman: Ruth, on the other hand, shared her busy schedule on her Instagram Stories, with one showing her traveling to and presenting on her fashion segment on the QVC channel
He went on to reveal to the publication that the agony can be so intense that sleep is sometimes its own “escape.”
He added that someone can be surrounded by family and friends, but severe pain can feel like your companion.
Before saying he hopes his recovery can bring hope to those who can no longer deal with their depression of anger and chronic pain.
By missing last night’s NTAs, the couple missed out on their former regular presenting appearance, This Morning, which bagged a gong for best daytime show.
Holly Willoughby snuck out of the National Television Awards before Thursday’s ceremony was over, leaving Phillip Schofield to face the music when awkwardly asked about her ‘queue gate’ controversy.
Bad: Eamonn Holmes has revealed he felt “humiliated” when his co-star Isabel Webster was forced to help him through the crowd while covering the Queen’s funeral outside Buckingham Palace last month
TV presenters were booed at the event as This Morning won the Best Daytime award after allegedly skipping the line to see the Queen lying in state last month.
Holly left the awards ceremony, held at London’s Ovo Arena Wembley, just before 10pm, more than half an hour before the end of the ceremony.
The GB News presenter has previously revealed his feelings about her “queuing”. He made it clear that he didn’t believe his former colleagues, saying they screwed up.
Speaking to presenter Clare Muldoon, Eamonn said: “I’ll tell you what’s strategic. According to The Sun, why is Holly struggling to keep her job but Mr Phillip isn’t?
Clare replied, “Who knows? Twitter last night said she doesn’t want to quit her job at This Morning.
“Who wouldn’t want to give up £600,000 a year and everything else that comes with it? I think the stamp is very damaged. There has to be a top-down shift this morning.’
Eamonn, who presents his new show with Isabel Webster on GB News, temporarily stepped down from his role as co-host in June after being treated in hospital for his painful condition.
Last week he revealed he felt “humiliated” when his co-star Isabel Webster was forced to help him through the crowd while covering the Queen’s funeral outside Buckingham Palace last month.
The 62-year-old broadcaster is currently recovering from back surgery after struggling for a long time and previously opened up about his battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three herniated discs.
And as Eamonn joined the show via video from home after his surgery last week, he reflected on how he felt with Isabel, 39, having to help him as he tripped and struggled on his crutch during his presentation schedule , and told her, “It was an issue for me.
Scandal: The tearful Holly Willoughby was booed at the National Television Awards on Thursday before sneaking out of the show early after backlash over the ‘queue gate’ – while Phillip Schofield nervously stumbled when questioned about the scandal
As they chatted about their coverage of the Queen’s death and subsequent funeral in September, Isabel mused that they were “fighting the crowd” and explained: “There was a group of about eight people out all trying to get the royal procession and we walked arm in arm against the crowd and it was a long way.’
Praising his pal for his help, Eamonn then said: “You are one of my dearest friends in life Isabel and you go above and beyond.
“I mean, there is such a beautiful heart with you. But I mean it was humiliating for me. You got me through this crowd And I tripped a few times and my leg gave out a few times.
“And after that I was really a little bit humiliated. They didn’t make it a problem, but it was a problem for me.’
The broadcaster suffered from long-term problems and previously reported on its battle with chronic back pain after a dislocated pelvis led to three herniated discs.
Former This Morning presenter Eamonn had GB News viewers asking where he was when he was off screen and the journalist took to Twitter to clarify things, writing: “A lot of you have asked why I didn’t present GB News.
“Unfortunately, I had to undergo unexpected hospital treatment due to a recurrence of a long-term back condition and am now taking a short break to follow the doctor’s orders.
Speaking of which, Eamonn Holmes has again attacked Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, accusing them both of “lying” about not skipping the line to see the Queen lay in state