Good Morning Britain host Eamonn Holmes kicked off today’s show by swigging from a bottle of medicine after he walked off yesterday’s programme due to a huge bout of coughing.
Sitting alongside “personal physician” Charlotte Hawkins, the 58-year-old had an array of tissues and remedies laid out in front of him as he reassured viewers he would be fine.
“Don’t make me laugh Charlotte, you’ll just get me coughing,” Eamonn quipped as cameras cut to the panel of presenters at the start of the programme.
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The stand in presenter went on to explain why the persistent hacking had irritated his throat so much, causing him to dash off during a chat with comedian and children’s author Julian Clary.
Eamonn revealed: “Well, it’s one of those dry, tickly coughs and I think I’ve had four airplane flights in the last week so I think it was those sort of air conditioning on airplanes.”
Co-host Charlotte then highlighted her preparations to help aid her stricken colleague if he was still reeling from the symptoms of his croaky condition.
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“Tissues, cough medicine, cold and flu tablets galore, just in case you need any remedies,” she indicated.
And after Eamonn drew a comparison to medication prescribed to late pop star Michael Jackson, she advised: “Don’t combine them all at once otherwise you’ll be flying by the end of the show.”
Fellow GMB regulars Becky Mantin and Sean Fletcher also joined in with the banter as viewers watched a replay of Eamonn’s departure from the set the previous day.
Joking they did not appear to be concerned enough, Eamonn deadpanned: “I see you were totally bereft.”
But the broadcaster also enjoyed a bit of teasing himself, glaring at Becky and receiving an apology from her as she made fun of his attempts to open the ‘childproof’ medicine.
“I’m glad you find this so funny,” he said, pretending to be annoyed.
Despite trying to soothe his raspy voice by sipping a drink during yesterday’s show, Eamonn was forced to excuse himself as he seemed to realise he couldn’t clear his throat properly.
Glancing off camera at the host, guest Julian stopped talking about his latest book to remark: “I’m trying to talk while Eamonn is coughing away.”
Moments earlier, Kate paused what she was saying to turn to Eamonn to and ask: “Are you alright, are you with us?”
But it turned out Eamonn wasn’t entirely alright, croaking an apology as he covered his mouth with his hand and continuing to cough.
“I’m sorry mate,” spluttered Eamonn.
“I think what I might do is leave and let you guys carry on.”
Good Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays from 6am.
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