Eamonn Holmes faced criticism after expressing his contentious views about a well-liked zoo animal on air. During his visit to the London studios on Monday (January 27), the veteran broadcaster, aged 65, woke up the nation alongside co-host Ellie Costello.
The pair tackled some of the day's biggest stories, including the surge in anxiety diagnoses nationwide and the UK commemorating 80 years since Auschwitz's liberation. Later in the programme, they discussed the growing concern for two escaped beavers from Mapperton Wildlands.
Woody and Twiggy, two four-year-old Eurasian beavers, had been residing at the Mapperton Estate near Beaminster, Dorset, as part of a rewilding project. It is believed that the duo made their escape during the winter storms preceding Christmas.
The public is now being urged to keep an eye out for "gnawed trees" in the search for the missing beavers. However, it's safe to say not everyone on the GB News panel is fond of this endearing creature.
As Ellie highlighted some of the beaver's positive characteristics, Eamonn couldn't help but display his irritation. She elaborated: "They reduce flooding. They build natural upstream defences that slow water down hence reducing flooding downstream where its more populated.", reports the Express.
He grumbled: "Really? Wow, whatever."
At this point, his colleague Darren Grimes interjected, asking: "Why do you not like beavers? ".
Eamonn was clearly irate as he said, "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? ".
Darren queried, "I was just asking, I didn't know that you didn't like beavers?, which led Eamonn to clarify, "I never said I didn't like beavers."
However, the tension continued when the presenter retorted, "I've obviously hit a nerve though, haven't I? " and Eamonn added fuel to the fire by responding, "I just don't see the point of them. According to a report I watched, they are the size of a labrador dog".
The conversation sparked quite a reaction among viewers, with many taking to the comments to express their bewilderment at the TV personality's apparent animosity towards the animals.
One user offered some insight by pointing out an inaccuracy in Eamonn’s comment about the size of beavers, saying, "Beavers are 70 – 100cms long. I only know this as I ran a beaver colony in the scout association for years [three cry-laughing emojis]."
Another chimed in to correct his take on beavers' reintroduction benefits: "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! ".
Other viewers couldn't resist addressing the peculiar nature of Eamonn's rant. One teased, "Is it your time of the month Eamonn, you seem very tetchy this morning ! ! " while a second comment mirrored the sentiment, "Sorry Eamonn has passed his sell by date, Mr angry! ".
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English (United States) ·