‘TV Is Too Scared to Take Risks’: Eamonn Holmes Says “Woke Culture” Is Ruining Television — As He Insists He Still Has the Integrity and Ability to Be Valued
Eamonn Holmes has launched a blistering attack on modern television, accusing executives of being paralysed by fear and allowing what he calls “woke culture” to suffocate risk, authenticity, and honest debate.
The veteran broadcaster, 66, made the remarks while appearing on his son Declan Holmes’ new podcast, Founder&Family Collective, released on Friday — delivering one of his most candid assessments yet of an industry he believes has lost its nerve.
According to Eamonn, television bosses are now more concerned with avoiding offence than creating compelling programming — even if that means sidelining proven audience draws.
“It’s Just Pathetic” — Holmes Takes Aim at TV’s Fear Culture
Speaking frankly, the GB News presenter said broadcasters are increasingly reluctant to employ outspoken or controversial figures, regardless of their track record.
“Where television is today, this wokeism through television — it’s just pathetic,” he said.
“It’s full of presenters saying, ‘Hello, lovely to see you, yes we’re all lovely.’ And of course, they’re not.”
Holmes argued that authenticity has been replaced by sanitised politeness, leaving viewers disengaged and programming bland.
Clarkson, Morgan, Kyle — ‘The Ones Who Get Ratings’
Eamonn pointed to Jeremy Clarkson, Piers Morgan, and Jeremy Kyle as examples of personalities he believes mainstream television is now hesitant to fully embrace.
“These are the people who bring the ratings,” he said.
“They’re relevant. They connect with viewers.”
But he acknowledged that their willingness to speak freely also makes executives nervous.
“They’re also the people who can get channels into trouble,” he added.
“They’ll offend someone — and that’s exactly what bosses are scared of. Viewers want it, but executives don’t want the risk.”
An Industry Claim That Doesn’t Quite Add Up
Despite Holmes’ claims, all three figures remain active on television.
Clarkson fronts Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? on ITV.
Morgan appears regularly on ITV and hosts Piers Morgan Uncensored, with highlights airing on Channel 5.
Kyle currently presents Jeremy Kyle Live on TalkTV.
Yet Holmes insists the wider industry climate has changed — arguing that tolerance for controversy is shrinking, even when audiences respond positively.
From Daytime Royalty to Sudden Exit
Once considered part of daytime television royalty, Eamonn spent 15 years hosting This Morning alongside his then-wife Ruth Langsford, anchoring the show’s Friday slot from 2006.
That era ended abruptly in 2020 when ITV removed him from the programme — a move that marked the beginning of a turbulent chapter both professionally and personally.
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary replaced the couple in 2021.
Eamonn has since accused ITV of mishandling his departure, claiming he was never given a clear explanation and that the network attempted to frame his exit as voluntary.
“No one explained anything to me,” he previously said.
“They didn’t want to announce that I’d been dropped because it would affect audience figures.”
‘Too Pale, Stale and Male’? Holmes Pushes Back
Following reports that ITV insiders viewed him as “too pale, stale and male” amid a push for younger talent, Eamonn has been unapologetic in defending his relevance.
“I have the integrity, the ability, and I deserve to be valued,” he insisted.
“I won’t accept being written off as a has-been.”
Now hosting breakfast on GB News, Holmes says he continues to challenge what he views as hypocrisy within the industry — particularly around diversity.
“The diversity is only on screen,” he claimed.
“Behind the scenes, it’s a different story. That’s hypocritical.”
Still Standing — And Still Speaking Out
While critics accuse him of nostalgia and provocation, Eamonn Holmes shows no intention of softening his stance.
To him, television’s biggest problem isn’t controversy — it’s fear.
And as long as he has a platform, he appears determined to keep saying exactly what others, he believes, are too afraid to say.