MAJELLA O’DONNELL CRITICISES EAMONN HOLMES FOR “DISGUSTING” COMMENTS ABOUT PHILLIP SCHOFIELD — SAYS IT’S TIME TO “MOVE ON”
Majella O’Donnell — author, charity advocate, and wife of Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell — has publicly criticised broadcaster Eamonn Holmes over what she described as repeated and “disgusting” remarks aimed at former ITV presenter Phillip Schofield. Her comments have quickly gained widespread attention, sparking fresh discussion about media responsibility, fairness, and how long personal controversies should dominate public debate.
Holmes, now a leading presenter on GB News, has continued to revisit the circumstances surrounding Schofield’s high-profile 2023 departure from This Morning. The long-running ITV presenter resigned following revelations of a workplace relationship that he acknowledged was inappropriate. Although Schofield publicly admitted his actions were a mistake, he also emphasised that nothing illegal occurred. His resignation prompted a wave of scrutiny into ITV’s internal culture, workplace pressures, and its management of senior talent.
Holmes has remained one of the most outspoken critics of the broadcaster, repeatedly accusing ITV of mishandling the situation and arguing that the programme environment had become “toxic.” Over the past two years, he has raised the subject numerous times across television interviews, panel appearances, and print features — long after many others in the industry had stopped commenting.
For Majella O’Donnell, the continued focus had gone far enough.
Taking to social media, she shared a screenshot of a past article referencing Holmes’ own reported disputes in broadcasting and wrote a pointed message condemning his persistent criticism:
“Don’t treat people the way you do. It’s disgusting to hear you going on about PS regardless of his misjudgements. He did nothing unlawful.”
Her frustration did not stop there. Posting a follow-up message, Majella directly told Holmes to reconsider his behaviour and show professionalism:
“Enough is enough! Talk about toxic! He made a mistake and apologised. Move on. Are you perfect? You most certainly are not — so be a professional and stop dragging this out.”
Her remarks were widely shared online, with many readers praising her for addressing what they saw as unnecessary and ongoing negativity. Supporters commented that the issue had been revisited so often by Holmes that it no longer resembled commentary and had instead become a repeated personal attack.
The broader situation remains one of the most-discussed broadcasting stories of the past decade. Schofield, after more than twenty years at ITV, withdrew entirely from public life following his resignation. While debate continues about workplace policies, transparency, and accountability in television, there is also increasing recognition of the toll relentless media focus can take on those involved.
Holmes, now 65, has insisted in previous interviews that his criticisms reflect deeper concerns about the broadcaster’s internal culture rather than Schofield alone. Questions surrounding ITV’s leadership and its duty of care have remained topics of industry conversation, though opinions differ sharply on how far such discussions should go — and how often they should be repeated.
Majella O’Donnell, well known for her openness on topics such as mental health, illness recovery, and kindness in public life, has long been respected for speaking plainly and compassionately. Her decision to intervene in this debate reflects her belief that continued public criticism, when stretched over years, risks becoming hurtful rather than constructive.
When asked by followers whether she wished to elaborate further, Majella simply wrote:
“Said all I need to say.”
Holmes has not publicly responded to her remarks, and representatives for the broadcaster have been contacted for comment.
Majella’s comments add a new perspective to an ongoing discussion: at what point should debate give way to closure, and when does continued criticism become counterproductive? For her, the answer is clear.
It is time — for everyone involved — to move on.