Veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, with over 40 years on television, has revealed one of the most “infuriating” moments of his career – a meeting with Mariah Carey that could only be described as a television disaster.
The interview was scheduled for 11 a.m., but the 56-year-old diva arrived a staggering 4 hours late. Meanwhile, Eamonn, who had been awake since 4 a.m., was left fuming. He told the audience at London’s Audience With at Hippodrome Casino:
“I kept asking myself, ‘What the hell is going on here?!’ They kept saying, ‘Wait, she’ll be here soon.’ I had reached my limit, and after 4 hours I said, if she’s not here in 10 minutes, I’m walking out.”
When Mariah finally arrived, instead of immediately starting the interview, she collapsed onto a chaise longue and closed her eyes, explaining she had only woken up at 9 a.m. Eamonn, known for his no-nonsense style, couldn’t hold back:
“She’s been up since 9 a.m., and I’ve been up since 4! I couldn’t believe it!”
In a moment of sheer frustration, he even laid down beside her, proposing:
“Either we both lie down, or we both sit up – otherwise, the interview isn’t happening.”
Mariah’s team insisted she would not be sitting up, prompting Eamonn to make the bold decision to walk out, abandoning the interview, leaving the entire crew stunned. He recalled:
“They said, ‘Ms Carey certainly won’t sit up.’ I said, ‘Well, Mr Holmes certainly won’t do the interview,’ and I tiddled off.”
The incident is not only a humorous glimpse into diva behavior but also a testament to Eamonn’s straight-talking, no-compromise style. Despite battling serious health issues, from major spinal surgery to using a wheelchair due to pain, he insists his mind remains sharp and alert, just as it was at the start of his career.
He also praised his younger girlfriend Katie Alexander, calling her a “perfect tonic” during this challenging time:
“Katie is the perfect tonic. We’ve bonded over our love of food – it’s become a part of our connection.”
The story of Mariah Carey and Eamonn Holmes is set to remain one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in British television history.
