Eamonn Holmes has told wife Ruth Langsford to not hold her breath when it comes to getting an OBE of her own.
Oh, Eamonn!
The Northern Irish presenter, 58, was honoured with an OBE for services to broadcasting in the New Year’s Honours.
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So, naturally, today’s This Morning – the first of the New Year – opened with a segment dedicated to Eamonn’s achievement.
As he introduced himself to viewers at the start of the show, wife Ruth piped up: “And it’s not just any old Eamonn. It’s Eamonn Holmes, OBE, people!”
After the studio applauded, Eamonn quipped: “I’m so touched. I’m so taken aback by that spontaneous applause. Thanks guys, thank you very much.”
He joked: “I don’t want you to change the way you treat me. No curtseying or anything, just the odd bow would suffice to keep me happy.”
Ruth leaned over to kiss Eamonn on the cheek, telling him: “We are very proud of you.”
She explained to viewers that Eamonn received a letter in November informing him of the honour, but he had to keep it quiet until the official announcement last week.
Ruth then pondered: “Does it make me something? Am I Lady Ruth now?”
Laughing, Eamonn retorted: “No. It makes you someone without an honour. I have an OBE and you don’t.”
Ruth replied: “I’m waiting for my Damehood. I’m holding out.”
Eamonn’s response? “Don’t hold your breath!”
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Ouch!
Of course, it was all just in jest, and Ruth couldn’t have been prouder of her husband as she read through dozens of congratulatory messages that had flooded in from famous friends and fans.
Viewers also took to social media to voice their happiness for Eamonn.
Others, however, felt the subject of his OBE was brought up too often during the show…
It was mentioned frequently by Ruth and fellow guests, while Eamonn jokingly asked the studio for a round of applause every so often and slipped the honour into conversation.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.