Eamonn Holmes has been inundated with support ahead of his double hip operation. The television presenter hosted his final episode of This Morning before the surgery on Friday, where he opened up about his diagnosis and his decision to go under the knife.
Speaking exclusively alongside the surgeon who will be performing the procedure – the Queen Mother's former surgeon, Sarah Muirhead-Alwood, Eamonn confessed he was nervous about the operation.
© Photo: RexEamonn Holmes admitted he was nervous about his hip surgery
"I can't imagine going shopping – putting on socks or shoes without being in pain," Eamonn said.
His wife Ruth Langsford also shared her own fears about the prognosis, telling viewers: "I had a little cry the other night because I was so worried about it."
However reassurance came in the form of dancer Wayne Sleep, who underwent the same operation by the same surgeon in 2010. Kicking his legs nimbly as he walked across the studio, Wayne helped to bolster the presenter's spirits by proving he could get a new lease of life after recovering from the surgery.
© Photo: RexRuth said she "had a little cry" about Eamonn's surgery
Sir Alex Ferguson also sent Eamonn a video message of support, offering some words of wisdom having undergone the same surgery a couple of years ago. As an avid Manchester United supporter the message was well received by Eamonn, who has admitted he's been "putting mine off for too many years".
The 56-year-old expressed his gratitude to fans for their messages of support on Twitter, writing: "Thanks for so many good wishes re my impending double hip operation. All gratefully received. Can't say I'm looking forward to it!
"I know so many of you have gone through Hip surgery or are facing it too. Have put mine off for too many years. Time to do something about it."
Eamonn has also signed up to the organ donor register ahead of his operation, joking: "Big op next week so I thought I'd better do it sooner rather than later. I'm expecting to get two new hips and hopefully that'll be the only story the surgeon has.
"But I'm a fully signed up organ donor now just in case."
