Patrick Christys has sent a heartfelt message to Eamonn Holmes and praised Alex Armstrong for stepping into the veteran broadcaster's shoes as GB News celebrated another Tric Awards triumph.
Speaking to GB News on the red carpet ahead of Tuesday evening's ceremony, The People's Channel presenter reflected on the broadcaster's impact and paid tribute to the team behind GB News Breakfast, which later secured its fourth consecutive Best News Programme win.
"It's absolutely massive," Patrick said of the programme's continued success.
"A lot of this is voted for by the public and by the viewers and listeners, which is really, really great."
Patrick Christys praised Eamonn Holmes and Alex Armstrong as GB News Breakfast secured another Tric triumph
|GB NEWS
The presenter admitted he believes there is a "big disconnect" between awards voted for by viewers and those decided by industry insiders.
"If they're all voted for by the public, I think we'd probably win a lot," he joked.
GB News Breakfast ultimately beat BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain and ITV Evening News to extend its remarkable winning streak at the public-voted Television and Radio Industries Club Awards.
Patrick said the achievement was down to the hard work of the entire breakfast team.
GB News Breakfast beat BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain and ITV Evening News to claim another Tric Award
|GB NEWS
"It's testament to the hard work that the breakfast producers put in, that the breakfast team put in, because it's a hard shift," he explained.
"You've got to start quite late the night before when the front pages drop, then very early again in the morning."
The presenter also took the opportunity to send his best wishes to colleague Eamonn Holmes, who suffered a stroke earlier this year and temporarily stepped away from the flagship programme.
"Massive shout out to Eamonn and obviously we all wish him incredibly well," Patrick said.
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The GB News presenter said viewers are the driving force behind the broadcaster's success
|GB NEWS
"Our viewers and listeners and everyone at GB News wants him back as quickly as possible, and I'm sure he will be, so that's great."
The broadcaster also praised Alex Armstrong, who stepped in to help front the programme alongside Ellie Costello during Mr Holmes' absence.
"Alex Armstrong's been stepping in. What a legend that guy is," Patrick said.
"I don't think he ever sleeps. He covers my show when I want holiday.
"He does breakfast as well. It's amazing."
According to Patrick, the breakfast programme plays a crucial role in setting the agenda for the rest of the day.
"They tend to get a lot of the big interviews, the morning rounds, the politicians, and they hold them to account," he said.
"That sets the tone right through and makes my life a lot easier when I steam into it in the evenings."
Patrick said everyone at GB News is wishing Eamonn Holmes well following his recent health setback
| PAPatrick reserved his biggest thanks for GB News viewers, insisting the broadcaster never takes their support for granted.
"It's just a massive, massive, massive thank you to everyone who takes the time out of their day to tune in to us on TV, watch us on YouTube or listen to us on radio," he said.
"We don't take a single viewer or listener for granted."
The presenter added that what makes GB News special is the connection it has built with audiences from all walks of life.
"People do think that we really are a family," he said.
"You meet people and they talk to you like they already know you, because in a way they do.
"That's a really special thing, and I don't think a lot of other news channels really have that."