Eamonn Holmes was recently snapped on holiday with his new girlfriend (Image: Getty Images)

Real reason Eamonn Holmes whisked younger girlfriend away on luxury holiday revealed

Eamonn Holmes was recently pictured with his girlfriend Katie Alexander as they enjoyed a luxury cruise together - but the trip was not quite as it seemed.

by · Daily Record

Eamonn Holmes' romantic holiday with his girlfriend wasn't quite as it appeared. The 64-year-old broadcaster was recently spotted with Katie Alexander, 42, enjoying the sun on a cruise, a welcome escape from the English weather.

Eamonn was seen affectionately placing his arm around Katie's bum as they disembarked a cruise ship in Ibiza and Barcelona.

The pair looked every bit the couple as they posed perfectly before hopping into a waiting taxi. They were then whisked away with friends to enjoy an evening at a restaurant where red wine was listed on the menu for £500, according to The Sun.

The getaway reportedly left Eamonn's estranged wife, Ruth Langsford, "gobsmacked", coming just months after the former golden couple announced their divorce.

However, while it may seem that Eamonn took Katie on a romantic trip, reports suggest it was far from it. It's been claimed that Eamonn was actually on the cruise as part of a brand deal with Not Just Travel, for whom he is said to have signed on as an ambassador, reports the Mirror.

Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Eamonn reportedly didn't have to splash out for his recent jaunt on the Virgin Voyages ship, The Scarlet Lady, as he was there filming for Not Just Travel's social media.

A source disclosed to the Mail: "While it looked like Eamonn had whisked Katie off on a no-expense-spared trip away, it didn't actually cost him a penny. It was part of his deal with Not Just Travel so if anything, he was actually paid to go which was very fortuitous indeed, especially because he could take a plus one with him.

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"There was an element of work, Eamonn had to film some segments to promote the company. But the fact he didn't pay certainly lessens the whole idea it was a romantic trip away."

They also mentioned that Katie "didn't seem to mind" the fact that their getaway was essentially complimentary. The couple's seven-day adventure began in Barcelona and included stops in Ibiza, Toulon, Marina di Carrara, and Civitavecchia.

However, Ruth and her friends were reportedly less than thrilled about the holiday. A separate source confided to The Sun regarding the cruise: "The cruise is just the latest proof of their closeness. Katie has been telling pals she and Eamonn are going to be for keeps - and now everyone is starting to believe her."

They continued: "Eamonn's zest for her - the latest being this all-expenses-paid trip - has wowed Ruth and pals. He has found a new lease of life for sure. Everyone is amazed."

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Eamonn and Katie, a relationship counsellor, reportedly first crossed paths in 2015 when she responded to one of his social media posts. This sparked a friendship that eventually blossomed into romance.

It's reported that Eamonn has enjoyed outings with Katie and her children, including a trip to a safari park and a Beyonce concert.

The Mirror has reached out to Eamonn's representative for a response.

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