Eamonn Holmes, 64, takes girlfriend Katie Alexander, 42, to visit his hometown of Belfast amid claims they are ‘in it for the long haul’ after split from Ruth Langsford

Eamonn Holmes took his girlfriend Katie Alexander to visit his hometown of Belfast this week amid claims they are ‘in it for the long haul.’

The presenter, 64, and his estranged wife Ruth Langsford, also 64, announced their plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage in May and it later emerged that he was dating the blonde relationship therapist, 42.

Eamonn is currently on a summer break from his GB News Breakfast show and is set to return next week. 

During his time off, he has been spotted by locals in ­Carrickfergus, dining at the same budget restaurant, Papa Browns, for four days in a row, The Sun reports. 

A member of staff at the American diner told the publication: ‘He came in four days in a row. I noticed his girlfriend had an English accent. They looked happy.’

They continued: ‘He appeared quite frail and it took a minute to recognise him, but he was always very polite and friendly.

‘Both of them appeared at ease with being seen together. Eamonn really enjoyed it.’

He is set to make his comeback on GB News Breakfast next week with co-host Isabel Webster, who has been hosting the show solo during his time off, reports the Express. 

Eamonn is said to be smitten with Katie and their relationship has been ‘taken to the next level’, MailOnline previously revealed.

Friends claimed they are now spending most weekends together at his Richmond flat after his marriage to Ruth ended.

Eamonn and Katie are mulling over when to take their relationship public and are said to have been offered ‘big money’ for the official first pictures of them together.

The source told us: ‘They’ve been offered some decent money for the first pictures of them together.

‘Katie and Eamonn are definitely in it for the long haul. She says she loves him and he loves her.’ 

The presenter, 64, and his estranged wife Ruth Langsford, also 64, announced their plans to divorce after 14 years of marriage in May and it later emerged that he was dating the therapist (Ruth and Eamonn pictured in 2018)

Eamonn is said to have sent his estranged wife a reassuring message that he wasn’t engaged – after it was reported he was set to wed Katie. 

The GB News presenter was at the centre of rumours he had popped the question to Katie after she was spotted wearing a sparkling diamond ring.

In a bid to protect Ruth’s feelings, Eamonn is believed to have contacted her to pour cold water over the engagement speculation. 

A source told MailOnline: ‘There are other people in this and I know Eamonn had to message Ruth to say there was nothing in the engagement speculation.’