Eamonn Holmes has opened up for the first time about his divorce from Ruth Langsford, admitting: “I’m not OK. This is not a good time at all.”

The star spoke to the Mirror at the TRIC Awards, where he is nominated in the Best News Presenter category, as well as Best News Broadcast.

Reflecting on the end of the couple’s 14-year marriage, Eamonn added: “It’s too early to say but I hope we can still be friends.

Struggling with chronic back pain which saw him require a high-tech wheelchair at the ceremony,

he even admitted feeling as if he is on “borrowed time”, as his father died at the age of 65 from a fatal heart attack in 1991.

The presenter, 64, has battled multiple heath issues over the past few years, before him and Ruth announced they were ending their marriage last month.

Eamonn admitted he had considered pulling out of attending as he had been in so much pain. However, his new high tech equipment allowed him to be more comfortable. “I wasn’t going to come, but I’ve got this new chair with all these gadgets,” he said. GB News Breakfast was named the Best News programme and Eamonn told the audience: “I had an operation a year and a half ago, and two things went wrong so I have two things in my back I don’t want. So I’ll happily accept this.”

Speaking prior to the ceremony, he has previously said he found his back pain deliberating. “I get very resentful that I’m not the way I used to be but I get on with it,” he said. “I work hard at trying to walk. It’s very hard to get through a normal day but I have help from people around me.”

He had previously praised Ruth for her constant support. Last month, they said in a statement: Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

Eamonn previously said: “We’d just like to thank people for your support for Ruth and I over the last few days as to the news of our separation. Your support for both of us is very much appreciated.”

Christine McGuinness could be seen holding Eamonn’s hand at the award ceremony with an arm placed around his shoulder as they smiled at the camera.

Eamonn donned a black suit, white shirt and blue tie. He also took to his Instagram to confirm his attendance at the event by posting a snap from inside the lavish venue.

He quietly snuck into the venue where he sat waiting for his food to be served. “Whatever the results, a nice lunch awaits #Tricawards,” he wrote alongside the snap from his table.

It came after sources close to Eamonn said they were unsure if he would be able to attend due to issues with his back.

They said he was likely to try to go as he has fond memories of the awards from previous years, where he has won awards and chatted to friends in the TV industry.

“He would like to go but it is in the balance, a lot will depend on how he feels on the day,” the source told The Mirror.