Eamonn Holmes has said his girlfriend Katie Alexander is 'the perfect tonic' to his health woes. 

The broadcaster, 66, who recently detailed his ongoing daily struggle, gave an insight into his 'connection' with his partner, 44. 

He added that despite his physical issues he is still 'on the ball' and enjoys walks in the countryside and going for Chinese food with Katie. 

Eamonn underwent major spinal surgery in 2022 for slipped discs and has suffered various other health issues over the past few years, including arthritis in his spine. 

Speaking in a new interview he said: 'I may be physically struggling, but mentally I’m still very much on the ball. I honestly don’t feel any different from when I started on TV over 40 years ago.

'Katie is the perfect tonic. There was a time when I could get up and go on the treadmill… but I can’t do that now because of my back.'

Eamonn added to The Mirror: 'When you share the same tastes, it really brings you closer. We’ve definitely bonded over our love of food - it’s become part of our connection.' 

The broadcaster recently sparked concern after 'falling asleep and slurring' live during an episode of Breakfast with Eamonn and Ellie on GB News last week. 

He returned to our screens alongside co-host Ellie Costello to present the latest news and headlines last week. 

Right at the end of the instalment, while interviewing Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones MP, Eamonn looked like he had fallen asleep in the studio. 

While Ellie quizzed Darren about the Mandelson files, Eamonn had his eyes closed and then later on during the chat he picked up a pen and struggled to put the lid on it. 

The journalist also played with his microphone and started to scroll on his mobile phone. 

After the interview finished, Eamonn told viewers: 'We'll see you bright and early again in the morning. Whatever you are up to, have a good day!'

A source told The Sun: 'It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Eamonn has been struggling a lot more lately.' 

They added: 'Today he was falling asleep on air and slurring his words. There were lots of messages coming in about it.'  

Daily Mail contacted GB News for comment. 

During a recent appearance on Scott Wright’s podcast, Session7, the journalist shared how he is doing right now - and opened up the daily struggles he faces in and outside of work. 

Host Scott asked him: 'What does the future hold for Eamonn Holmes?' 

Eamonn said: 'I don't know, society's ageist, I'm sick, I'm in a wheelchair, that's been horrendous to deal with for two years. 

'Certainly, I don't think TV wants to know you. I can't get up. I need help getting out of this chair. I have to have carers throughout the day.

'But once I'm sitting down, I can do everything. I understand my job, I understand what I'm supposed to do. But I understand it's tough for people to deal with you.'

He added in the podcast: 'When you're disabled, it's unbelievable how society... whether it's a theatre, a restaurant or a cinema.

'The cinema never ceases to amaze me. I love the cinema, but when you go to the cinema and you're disabled, you get two choices: you're either at the very, very, very back and beyond of the cinema, or you're right at the very front.

'And you think to yourself, why is this? Why does it have to be one or the other like that?'