Eamonn says no to Russia for love

MOST presenters would jump at the chance to be involved with the biggest sporting event in the world but Eamonn Holmes had a very romantic reason to turn down a potential gig at the World Cup.

He confessed to Day & Night that Russian reps involved in this year’s footballing extravaganza offered him “more money than I’ve ever been offered to do anything” but he still said no – because he didn’t want to outshine wife Ruth Langsford. “I was offered the chance to go to Russia but I don’t think it would be advisable,” the 58-year-old revealed. “It would be quite selfish of me to say ‘this is all about me’ at a time when Ruth has gone stellar. This is Ruth’s moment.” Ruth, 57, and Eamonn have presented This Morning together on Fridays since 2006 but Ruth has won a legion of new fans since her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing last year. “She did a simple thing on Twitter the other day and there was a million hits on it. This is her time,” said proud Eamonn.

And there was also the little issue of international politics involved in his decision. “The whole propaganda thing… I don’t think it would have been a wise career move,” he admitted.

Speaking of career moves, the couple are set to bring their winning chemistry to a new prime-time Channel 5 consumer show Do The Right Thing – which it sounds like Eamonn did when Russia came calling.

“I ONLY HAD ONE NIGHT WITH HIM. HE WAS TOO HEAVY TO BRING HOME IN MY HAND LUGGAGE!” FEAR NOT, THE DANISH GIRL STAR ALICIA VIKANDER HASN’T ATTEMPTED TALKING ABOUT HER TO SMUGGLE PETS OR PEOPLE THROUGH CUSTOMS – SHE’S 2016 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS OSCAR STATUETTE. PHEW!