A GB News staffer has hit back after explosive claims of backstage tensions surrounding Eamonn Holmes - with insiders fiercely denying rumours of a rift over pay and airtime. The 65-year-old broadcaster, who has anchored GB News for over three years, is at the centre of fresh controversy following his appearance at the TRIC Awards, where he arrived in a wheelchair to collect a gong on behalf of the channel.

The appearance was reportedly met with boos and heckles, and sources suggest some colleagues were left fuming after Eamonn allegedly "took the glory" for the award. One insider told the Daily Mail: "It was all about Eamonn - again. Winners had a limited amount of time to talk before Dan Walker took their microphone away - and Eamonn kept talking until that moment came." The source claimed fellow presenters Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello couldn't get a word in during the acceptance speech, and that frustrations have been bubbling behind the scenes.

"Stephen hosts more days than Eamonn yet there was absolutely no regard for him, or for Ellie or Anne [Diamond]. It was 'me, me, me' as far as Eamonn was concerned.

"Others felt that they didn't get any credit. There are a lot of people who put a lot of work in - not that you would have known it," they said.

The source added that Eamonn, who reportedly earns an annual salary of more than £300,000, is "utterly despised" by some.

However, a separate source told the Express that the rumours are "nonsense", adding: "Eamonn received nothing but warm wishes at the Awards - so many people wanted to congratulate him and the team, he couldn't get in the lift at the end."

Despite the drama, GB News bosses have now strongly defended their star - and say the situation has been blown out of proportion.

Someone who works for GB News revealed: "There is no truth in that story. Eamonn is really loved by the crew and the bosses alike. People like to forget the fact that he is a household name and many people tune into breakfast because he's on.

"Claims that some presenters are mad that he's being paid more than them doesn't make sense. Eamonn, just like Nigel Farage and some of our other high profile names, is paid what the bosses think he's worth.

"It's completely normal, and happens literally at every channel, the biggest name stars who bring in the most viewers get paid the most money."

The veteran presenter has battled serious health issues in recent years, undergoing a double hip replacement and major back surgery for three slipped discs.

He previously revealed he "could no longer walk" and was struggling to remain independent - but has continued to broadcast three days a week.