Eamonn Holmes has been blasted as "irresponsible" by fans after he appeared to back the conspiracy theory that 5G is spreading coronavirus.
The presenter told viewers of This Morning earlier today that it suits the "state narrative" to dismiss theories linking the network to Covid-19.
He seemed to throw his support behind the theories, which have were branded "dangerous nonsense", disgusting fake news and completely false by Cabinet Officer Minister at a press briefing earlier this month.
Speaking to Alice Beer, who was appearing via video call from home, Holmes suggested there could be a link between Covid-19 and telecommunications masts.
When she said she found the suggestion “ridiculous” and “incredibly stupid”, the veteran TV host responded: "It’s very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative”.
The 60-year-old, who was co-presenting with wife Ruth Langsford, told Beer: "I totally agree with everything you are saying but what I don’t accept is mainstream media immediately slapping that down as not true when they don’t know it’s not true.
"No-one should attack or damage or do anything like that but it’s very easy to say it is not true because it suits the state narrative.
"That’s all I would say, as someone with an inquiring mind."
Viewers at home were stunned.
One tweeted: "Oh dear, Eamonn Holmes has gone full David Icke. He talks about the 'mainstream media' as if ITV isn't part of it and thinks it's OK to encourage delusional f**kwits to believe there is a link between 5G and #coronavirus. What a t**t."
One added: "So I’ve just heard This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes legitimise the stories linking the coronavirus lockdown to 5G. On national television. Wow. How irresponsible can you get. Switching off. Hope Holly and Phil are back soon'."
Another viewer tweeted: "If you didn't see #ThisMorning today, Eamonn Holmes suggested he believes that 5G may be to blame for Coronavirus & doesn't think you should listen to the 'mainstream media' & 'state narrative', NOBODY ACKNOWLEDGED WHAT JUST HAPPENED then Alison Hammond baked some banana bread."
The star replied: "I didn't spread it.... I reserve the right to listen and question."
Holmes' comments come after UK mobile network providers warned against the spread of "baseless" conspiracy theories linking coronavirus to 5G, after videos purportedly showing masts on fire were posted on social media.
Mobile UK, the trade body which represents network providers, said it is "concerning that certain groups are using the Covid-19 pandemic to spread false rumours and theories about the safety of 5G technologies".
This Morning have been contacted for comment.
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
