GB News fans woke up to quite a surprise on Monday (August 18) after Ellie Costello was replaced by another familiar face
GB News viewers woke up to quite a surprise this week after Eamonn Holmes reunited with a legendary GMTV co-star for the first time in 20 years. The 65-year-old broadcaster opened the show on Monday morning (August 18) alongside veteran broadcaster Penny Smith, 66, as the latest GB News guest presenter in a shock hosting shake-up. Eamonn and Penny – who were las on our screens together presenting GMTV back in 2000 – will be hosting GB News Breakfast on Monday and Tuesday (August 18 and 19) from 6am.
Speaking on the announcement, Penny gushed: “I’m thrilled to be working with Eamonn again, and what a joy to be waking up the nation once more, bringing them the latest news with a healthy dose of fun along the way. It’s just like old times – only better.”
Eamonn Holmes reunited with his GMTV co-host Penny Smith on GB News (Image: GB News)
Meanwhile, Eamonn gushed: “I’m delighted to be working with Penny again after all these years. I’m sure all our viewers and listeners on GB News Breakfast will love her.”
Head of Programming at GB News, Ben Briscoe, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Penny to GB News Breakfast. Reuniting her with Eamonn Holmes after 20 years promises the perfect mix of warmth, wit, humour and razor-sharp insight – just what our viewers love to wake up to.”
The Irish presenter usually hosts the morning show with his co-host Ellie Costello 31, from Monday to Wednesday. Sharing the joyous news online, Eamonn took took to Instagram to share a snap with Penny in the London studio.
He captioned the post: “Look who’s back @whichpennysmith @gbnews” as Penny shared on her own account: “Well here we are again… for a couple of days…” Meanwhile, GB News shared a clip from the studios of Penny and Eamonn together, which he opened with: “Wake up with a familiar face. She’s back on breakfast television. Penny Smith returns.”
The presenters last worked together on GMTV back in 20000 (Image: PA)
Penny added: “Miss me? Well I’m here! And I’ve brought the coffee.” Eamonn told viewers: “We’re reuniting to brighten your morning” as she added: “I’s just like old times! Only better.”
It didn’t take long before fans flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their excitement online. One user penned: “Loving this! Penny is [thumbs up emoji]” as another gushed: “Lovely. Very presentable Penny. Please stay lol”.
A third echoed: “Penny is great. Hope she stays” as a fourth chimed in with: “Need to be on more regularly together.” A fifth added: “Proper telly gold, that. Nothing beats a bit of breafast nostalgia to start the day with a smile.”
