Belfast-born TV veteran Eamonn Holmes was left a little red-faced as he was called out by Olympic boxing hero Kellie Harrington for referring to the sport as "women's boxing."
During a glitzy stint hosting the Irish Post Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel, alongside his lesser-known partner Katie Alexander, 42, Eamonn, together with singer Lisa McHugh, co-presented.
The scenario turned awkward when double Olympic boxing champion Kellie was honoured with the award for her remarkable contributions to sport and took to the stage.
Eamonn, in conversation with her, commented on the traditionally male-dominated sport: "You better believe it's history, isn't it?" He then remarked: "And you know, women's boxing has really come on, hasn't it? I mean, it's much more, it's acceptable."
To this, Kellie sharply retorted: "It's not women's boxing. It's boxing."
Kellie's sharp response drew applause from the audience, while Eamonn was left momentarily speechless, reports the Mirror. In personal news, Eamonn made his first public appearance with his new girlfriend Katie following his breakup with Ruth Langsford earlier this year, reports the Express.
Holmes, who parted ways with his spouse of 14 years in May, was seen dining with Katie prior to the award celebrations' commencement.
An insider disclosed to the Mirror: "While Eamonn waited for the ceremony to begin he enjoyed his dinner in the company of his new girlfriend Katie. The pair seemed relaxed and were inseparable."
Katie shone in the evening with her elegant black dress and stylish updo. Despite marking their first public appearance as a couple, Eamonn is said to have requested photographers not to take pictures of them at their table.
Previously, Eamonn and Ruth had presented a solid front leading up to their split announcement, but recent reports hint that things may not have been as amicable as they appeared.
Further revelations from The Sun imply that Eamonn and Katie's interactions date back many years, claiming they made contact "12 years ago."
An insider shared with The Sun: "We knew Eamonn and Katie got together via social media, but no one knew how far back they went. Ruth will be shocked they were in contact 12 years ago. I don't think she would have known."
The insider added: "At the beginning George joined in with the online conversation. He wouldn't have imagined Katie would end up with Eamonn years later."
Although Eamonn and Katie have not confirmed the length of their acquaintance, there has been no suggestion of any romantic involvement during their prior marriages. In a related story, Ruth has opened up to Woman and Home magazine about her lack of backup plans, confessing: "I don't have a plan B because I never had a plan A. Ever!"
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