Eamonn Holmes has spoken candidly about his fears over developing dementia, admitting he would rather die than live with the condition.

In a new interview with Best Magazine, the This Morning presenter, 58, said he had told his family to take him to a euthanasia clinic should he develop the degenerative condition.

He said: ‘It’s what everyone dreads. It’s a long, lonely walk, one I would never want to go on.

Candid: Eamonn Holmes has spoken candidly about his fears over developing dementia, admitting he would rather die than live with the condition

Presenting legend: In a new interview with Best Magazine , the This Morning presenter, 58, said he had told his family to take him to a euthanasia clinic should he develop the degenerative condition (above with wife Ruth Langsford)

‘I genuinely say to all my children and my wife, “take me to Switzerland and press the red button. That is what I want.”‘

‘I have no desire to lose my dignity. I just don’t want that to happen to me. However controversial that may sound, that is my genuine wish.’

The star, who is married to fellow presenter Ruth Langsford, 58, admits his wife of eight years ‘puts her finger in her ears’ whenever he broaches the subject.

After losing 30 per cent of his hearing at age 50, the star discovered that his risk of developing dementia could be increased due to his hearing issues.

He now wears a hearing aid after suffering from chronic hearing loss since his 30s.

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 Legend: After losing 30 per cent of his hearing at age 50, the star discovered that his risk of developing dementia could be increased due to his hearing issues

There is a family link to the condition with wife Ruth’s dad Dennis passing away after suffering from the condition.

The star said he believed his aunts and uncles also had the condition.

The presenting legend said he believes the law in the UK should be changed to allow assisted suicide, which is illegal in the country.

He has four children, son Jack, 16, who he shares with wife Ruth Langsford, and Declan, 28, Rebecca , 26, and Niall, 24. from his first marriage to Gabrielle.

Eamonn previously told The Daily Telegraph of his hearing loss: ‘No one warns you that your hearing is going to go down from 50. Learning a third of your hearing has gone is not the best birthday present.’

The Ulsterman also said he gets ‘frustrated’ if he doesn’t have a hearing aid on, saying he is ‘liberated’ by it.

For support, information and advice on dementia, call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122. 

Happy couple: The star admits his 58-year-old wife of eight years ‘puts her finger in her ears’ whenever he broaches the subject