Eamonn Holmes was pictured smiling and laughing just days before he was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.

On Saturday, it was revealed the veteran presenter, 66, was blue-lighted to hospital this week and is now recovering on a ward.

But just days before his devastating stroke, Eamonn looked to be in good health and was seen laughing with his girlfriend Katie Alexander, 44.

Social media pictures show how he appeared to be in good spirits, as the couple raised a glass at an Easter party.

Eamonn was in his mobility chair, wrapped up from the cold wearing a navy coat with matching coloured suit trousers and a cap.

He and Katie dined with friends, including Lotan Carter, a former television star-turned fitness coach.

Eamonn had been due to return to his GB News breakfast programme on Monday, but will now remain off air for the foreseeable future. 

On Friday evening, worried Katie posted on social media: 'What a week. Prayer, a little visit to church to have a word with the good Lord himself, prayer each day.' 

Eamonn separated from Ruth Langsford in 2024 after 14 years of marriage and the estranged spouses are in the process of divorcing.

They share a son, Jack, who is 24. 

Announcing his stroke, a GB News spokesperson said: 'Eamonn was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke.

'He is currently responding well to treatment. Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.

'His colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the People's Channel when he is ready to return.' 

CEO of GB News Angelos Frangopoulos, said: 'Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and we're with him every step of the way as he recovers.'

Eamonn recently shared a 'horrendous' health update - and claimed that the 'ageist' TV industry 'doesn't want to know him' now that he is older and in a wheelchair.

Back in 2016, the broadcaster underwent a double hip replacement, but in 2021 he suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis.

He then had major spinal surgery the following year, and has had various other health issues over the past few years. 

Last month, 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.

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!'

Eamonn later clapped back at claims that he was 'falling asleep' live on air.

The star set the record straight during an appearance at Hayley Palmer's An Audience With... in London's Hippodrome Casino last month.

He said: 'I was just looking down at my mic pack to see why it was not working, as we don't have floor managers or camera operators.

'Apparently I was sleeping? Whatever!'