A heated discussion erupted on GB News after Eamonn Holmes described the increasing prevalence of obese individuals as “absolutely gross” during a segment examining whether commenting on people’s weight is acceptable.
The People’s Channel star made the remarks whilst discussing recent criticism directed at actress Ariana Grande’s appearance during her Wicked promotional tour.
“You just notice more and more people are gross. Absolutely gross,” Eamonn stated on the programme.
He elaborated on his observations, saying: “Just a generality, if you go to a shopping mall, a sports event or sitting on an aeroplane.”
Eamonn Holmes said there is a growing number of ‘absolutely gross’ people roaming the streets
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GB NEWS / GETTY
Despite his strong words about obesity, Eamonn acknowledged his own size, adding: “I know people regard me as big, believe me, I am slight compared to a lot of people out there.”
The debate emerged following public commentary about Ms Grande’s physique, with the 32-year-old performer facing intense scrutiny over her weight during recent promotional appearances for the musical film’s sequel.
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Grande responded to the criticism by sharing a previous emotional interview on Instagram, accompanied by the message: “Resharing this from last year as a loving reminder to all.”
In the footage, recorded with co-star Cynthia Erivo, the actress discussed experiencing public examination of her appearance since her teenage years.
Ex-Fat Families host Steve Miller said it is our moral duty to let family members know if they are piling on the pounds
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GB NEWS
“I’ve been doing this in front of the public, and been a specimen in a petri-dish since I was 16 or 17,” Grande revealed in the interview.
She described such commentary as “dangerous” and expressed discomfort with society’s ease in discussing others’ physical appearance.
The singer addressed how weight-related remarks affect individuals regardless of their celebrity status, explaining that such comments create discomfort whether they occur at family gatherings or in the public eye.
“It’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on, even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner, and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my god you look skinnier, what happened?’ or ‘You look heavier, what happened?'” Ms Grande stated in the interview.
She emphasised that whilst she had developed resilience to public scrutiny over the years, protecting oneself from such criticism remains challenging.
The actress revealed she considers herself fortunate to have supportive people around her who remind her of her worth beyond physical appearance.
Body positivity advocate Danielle Broadbent presented an opposing perspective during the GB News discussion, maintaining that weight-related remarks are never appropriate.
“People feel the need to criticise Ariana Grande but she says she feels the best she has ever felt, so who are we to criticise?” Ms Broadbent questioned during the programme.
She firmly defended personal privacy regarding physical appearance, stating: “I think a person’s body is private. Is not mine or your business to comment on it.”
Ms Broadbent dismissed concerns about weight commentary, adding: “Crack on, because I don’t think it’s your business.”
Her stance directly contradicted Eamonn’s earlier statements about obesity, instead advocating for complete abstention from discussing others’ bodies regardless of their size or public profile.
Fat Families presenter Steve Miller offered a contrasting viewpoint, arguing that people should voice concerns about others’ weight when necessary.
“People have the right to comment as they wish. I think it’s essential people tell each other, especially if it’s a loved one becoming too fat,” Mr Miller stated during the debate.
He emphasised health considerations, noting: “There are incredible health risks if people become too fat.”
Mr Miller suggested that social anxiety prevents necessary conversations, explaining: “We have that nervous feeling when we go to say, ‘you’re becoming a bit porky’, we should encourage people to let others know if they are becoming too fat.”
He advocated for balanced intervention, stating: “We have to apply common sense. If someone is becoming worryingly too thin, it needs addressing, the same goes if they are becoming too fat.”
Mr Miller concluded: “People are too nervous to be called a fat shamer.”