Eamonn Holmes
Photo by GB News

Eamonn Holmes Sparks Backlash Over Controversial Comments on Beavers

GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes found himself in hot water after expressing a controversial opinion about a popular zoo animal during Tuesday’s (January 27) episode of Good Morning Britain (GMB). The 65-year-old broadcaster, alongside co-hosts Ellie Costello and Richard Arnold, engaged in a discussion that quickly turned contentious, leading to significant backlash from viewers.

During the London studio broadcast, Holmes and Costello tackled several major headlines, including the surge in anxiety diagnoses across the UK and the nation’s commemoration of 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. However, the episode took a dramatic turn when the hosts addressed the recent disappearance of two Eurasian beavers, Woody and Twiggy, from the Mapperton Wildlands in Beaminster, Dorset.

The beavers, part of a rewilding project, escaped during winter storms before Christmas, prompting public calls to watch for “gnawed treed” in the search for the missing animals, reported by the Express. Costello highlighted the environmental benefits of beavers, explaining, “They reduce flooding. They build natural upstream defenses that slow water down hence reducing flooding downstream where it’s more populated,” Holmes visibly grew annoyed.

His frustration became evident when he muttered, “Really? Wow, whatever,” leading to an interruption from co-host Darren Grimes, who asked, “Why do you not like beavers?” Holmes responded sharply, “It’s not that I don’t like beavers. Look, we haven’t had beavers in this country for a hundred years. Does it make a darn bit of difference to your life? No.

This makes no difference to your life so why are you interrupting me?” Grimes attempted to clarify, “I was just asking, I didn’t know that you didn’t like beavers,” to which Holmes retorted, “I never said I didn’t like beavers.” The tension escalated as Holmes continued, “I’ve obviously hit a nerve though, haven’t I?” followed by, “I just don’t see the point of them. According to a report I watched, they are the size of a labrador dog.”

The exchange did not sit well with the audience, sparking a flurry of reactions on Twitter, now known as X. Fans expressed surprise and disappointment at Holmes’ stance on the beloved animals. One user corrected Holmes’ misinformation about beaver size, stating, “Beavers are 70 – 100cms long. I only know this as I ran a beaver colony in the scout association for years.”

Another commenter defended the ecological role of beavers, writing, “Check your facts with the beavers, they are being introduced back into this country and can help solve flooding problems! We used to have beavers here, but as usual, the human idiots killed them all off!” Critics also took aim at Holmes’ demeanor during the segment. One tweeted, “Is it your time of the month Eamonn, you seem very tetchy this morning !!” while another remarked, “Sorry Eamonn has passed his sell-by date, Mr angry!”

Holmes’ interaction with the beaver topic highlights the delicate balance hosts must maintain when discussing sensitive environmental issues. Despite the backlash, Holmes remains a prominent figure on GMB, known for his candid and often unfiltered approach to live discussions.

In response to the incident, GMB’s social media team did not issue an immediate statement, leaving viewers to voice their opinions independently. The controversy underscores the challenges television presenters face in navigating public sentiment, especially on topics with strong emotional and ecological implications.

As the conversation around wildlife reintroduction and environmental stewardship continues, presenters like Eamonn Holmes play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact that on-air remarks can have, prompting both reflection and dialogue among viewers and industry professionals alike.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Holmes will address the backlash and whether this will influence future discussions on the show. For now, the episode serves as a case study in the complexities of live television and the enduring passion surrounding wildlife conservation efforts.

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