Eamonn Holmes reveals his new year hope after 'tough' admission

has said he can't wait for his "tough year" to be over, after being spotted out at an event with new girlfriend Katie Alexander.

The presenter left fans reeling when he split from his wife of 14 years , who he had been with for more than two decades. It was reported that he had promptly moved on with new girlfriend Katie, 43, as the split with Ruth no longer seems amicable.

Eamonn, 64, was seen at a showbiz event with his new partner, as they attended the glitzy Irish Post Awards on Thursday night as a couple. While Eamonn was in a wheelchair, Katie had glammed up with a black halterneck dress, elegant updo and statement gold earrings.

It marks their first showbiz event together as a couple, while Ruth appears to be focusing on healing after the split. It is reported that the 64-year-old, who presented with Eamonn for 15 years before they resigned in 2020, found messages between him and a woman - although it is unconfirmed who it was.

While at the event Eamonn could be seen next to Katie, who made an elegant appearance in a silky black dress with her hair tied into a stylish updo. Eamonn, who has also struggled with his health in the past year, revealed: “It’s been a tough year and I’ll be glad to see the back of it."

Speaking to , the Belfast born presenter said: "It’s been a tough year and I’ll be glad to see the back of it. But there are lots of things to be grateful for and I hope that my health improves next year."

Meanwhile, onlookers said he and Katie seemed to be getting on well at the event. A source exclusively told the : "While Eamonn waited for the ceremony to begin he enjoyed his dinner in the company of his new girlfriend Katie. The pair seemed relaxed and were inseparable."

Although it has already been reported that Eamonn and Katie met through social media, the Sun recently claimed that they had been in contact "12 years ago." A source told them: "We knew Eamonn and Katie got together via social media, but no one knew how far back they went. Ruth will be shocked they were in contact 12 years ago. I don't think she would have known."

Ruth, who has hired top divorce lawyer Catherine Costley, will likely have found the bombshell interesting, with an insider telling the Mirror: "Ruth’s legal team are compiling a forensically detailed account of Eamonn’s relationship with Katie and when it started. Ruth's team are doing their due diligence ahead of the divorce proceedings. They are prepared to speak to people in Ruth and Eamonn's wider circle."

The source added: "Katie and Eamonn have been scrambling around to tell their respective exes that they were not romantically involved way back then." Eamonn and Katie are said to have been dating for six months. They enjoyed a lavish Mediterranean cruise over the summer together.

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