Eamonn Holmes leans on his walker as he celebrates 65th birthday by taking younger girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43, to work Christmas lunch – while his estranged wife Ruth Langsford keeps busy in Australia

Eamonn Holmes appeared in high spirits as he attended the 2024 TRIC Christmas lunch with his girlfriend Katie Alexander at The Londoner Hotel on Tuesday.

The TV star was forced to rely on the help of a walker as he celebrated his 65th birthday at the event, after opening up about having a ‘tough year’.

Eamonn split from his wife of 14 years Ruth Langsford, 64, before embarking on a romance with dating counsellor Katie, 43.

And while his ex Ruth was busy taking part in spin-off show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked in Australia, Eamonn posed for snaps outside of the event with Katie, who looked chic in a black polka dot mini dress.

Eamonn dressed to impress in a black suit and shimmering tie as he smiled while holding onto his walker for support. 

A source in attendance told MailOnline: ‘Katie seems smitten with Eamonn. They had their arms around each other, and she was attending his every need through out the day.’ 

Eamonn Holmes appeared in high spirits as he attended the 2024 TRIC Christmas lunch with his girlfriend Katie Alexander at The Londoner Hotel on Tuesday

Eamonn attended the festive lunch alongside stars including Lady Victoria Hervey, Angela Rippon and Dan Walker.

He recently shared his gratitude and opened up on his ‘tough year’ as he attended his first event with his new girlfriend earlier this month.

He has been dating Katie since his split from Ruth and had her by his side as he hosted the Irish Post Awards in London.

Eamonn has battled many health woes this year and a fter surgery on his back in 2022 for a slipped disc, the GB News host has not been able to walk unaided and often relies on a wheelchair.

Speaking at the event Eamonn admitted he was glad to see the end of 2024, while being supported by his girlfriend.

Speaking to The Sun On Sunday, he said: ‘It’s been a tough year and I’ll be glad to see the back of it.

‘But there are lots of things to be grateful for and I hope that my health improves next year.’

Eammon and Katie made their first appearance as a couple at The Irish Post Awards, but the former GMB presenter requested that photographers not take pictures of them together.

An on looker added: ‘Katie certainly seems to be able to put a smile back on Eamonn’s face. They seem genuinely besotted with each other.’

Eamonn split from his wife of 14 years Ruth Langsford, 64, before embarking on a romance with dating counsellor Katie, 43

While his ex Ruth was busy taking part in spin-off show I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked in Australia, Eamonn posed for snaps outside of the event with Katie, who looked chic in a black polka dot mini dress

The TV star was forced to rely on the help of a walker as he celebrated his 65th birthday at the event, after opening up about having a ‘tough year’

Eamonn couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he celebrated his birthday 

A source in attendance told MailOnline: ‘Katie seems smitten with Eamonn. They had their arms around each other, and she was attending his every need through out the day.’

Lady Victoria Hervey put on a leggy display in a shimmering navy mini dress and matching ankle boots

Angela Rippon stood out in an eye-catching purple dress and heels 

Lizzie Cundy put on a busty display in a red plunging Santa dress and racy knee-high boots

Angellica Bell wowed in a black shimmering jumpsuit 

Dan Walker cut a dapper figure in a black suit and shirt 

Ainsley Harriott put on an animated display as he arrived at the event

Eamonn and Loose Women star Ruth announced their plans to divorce in June after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together.

Now, Katie, who enjoyed a romantic cruise with the TV star earlier this year , has told friends she is in for ‘the long haul’ with Eamonn.

She has been helping Eamonn through the split from Ruth, but her friends say she is at pains to point out that their friendship has only grown close once the marriage was over in May.

In September the former This Morning presenter emotionally revealed he can no longer look after himself.

In an emotional video, Eamonn admitted his former days of independence have come to an end as he pleaded his followers to adopt a dog as he petted his pooch Bella.

Eamonn, who used to share a rescue dog, Maggie, with his ex-wife Ruth, also revealed that losing his ability to walk also had an impact.

Eamonn has been dating counsellor Katie Alexander, 43, since his split from Ruth and had her by his side as he hosted the Irish Post Awards in London

He captioned the clip: ‘Think about giving Bella a home. If I could walk and look after myself she would be mine but instead you could be me. Talk to @TheK9Angels . Absolutely lovely Doggie.’

Eamonn uses a wheelchair due to chronic back pain as well as undergoing painful physio sessions.

Speaking in January he said the ‘harsh reality’ could be that he may never be able to walk unaided again.

In 2016, Eamonn underwent a double-hip replacement operation lasting three-and-a-quarter hours after living with acute pain for many years.