Entertainment

Eamonn Holmes says GB News will keep ‘other news providers on their toes’

Alastair Stewart also addressed the technical issues that occurred during the launch.
Alastair Stewart also addressed the technical issues that occurred during the launch.

This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes has welcomed the launch of GB News as a “shake up” of the TV news landscape.

The new network, chaired by veteran broadcaster and former BBC political interviewer Andrew Neil, began broadcasting on Sunday with a programme introducing its presenting line-up.

It is a new player on the TV news scene, which is currently dominated by Sky News and BBC News.

Holmes tweeted: “I hope GBNEWS gets a decent chance …. we need a shake up on the news front. May it keep all the other news providers on their toes.

“I have huge respect for TV news but this is a reminder that news is not just Westminster or a constant woke agenda.”

Former Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was among the guests on Dan Wootton’s show and shared a photo from the GB News studio.

He tweeted: “Pleased to be at the @GBNEWS launch. Catch me on @danwootton’s brand new show later.”

Tom Harwood, who left politics website Guido Fawkes to join GB News, praised Neil’s opening monologue in which he attacked “cancel culture”, writing: “What. A. Speech!”

Conservative MP Mark Jenkinson said the network was “off to a great start”.

He added: “Fantastic lineup from across the spectrum, no BS – always great to see @afneil on screen too.”

Alastair Stewart addressed the technical issues that occurred during the launch, including sound sync problems and Neil Oliver’s microphone malfunctioning.

He wrote on Twitter: “None of @GBNEWS existed 6 months ago. All launches have teething problems & we’re sorting them … but the core message is loud & clear.”

Businesswoman and former Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry, one of GB News’ launch hosts, dedicated her appearance to her older sister, who was killed when she fell from a building as a teenager.

She wrote: “Never, ever been as nervous on TV as I was just then. Everything I do, I do in honour of my sister & I know she will be looking down, watching us & super proud.

“History in the making. Thanks to everyone for your support. Much appreciated. Onwards & upwards.”