Eamonn Holmes is besotted with the rescue dog Maggie, who "changed his life" - but heartbreakingly, he and estranged wife Ruth Langsford have now split, raising questions about where their canine companion will live.
The Belfast-born broadcaster paid tribute to his relationship with his pet on GB News today, while making a confession about the one thing that has torn him emotionally. The topic came up after a segment about Madagascan lemurs being cared for in the UK melted his heart.
"My life was changed 15 years ago when I rescued a dog," he revealed, visibly moved. "I see all animals differently [now]. Do you know what the most lovable two animals are, that love people and love affection? Cows and pigs," he told co-star Nana Akua, warming to his subject.
"What do we do? We shoot them in the head and carve them up for meat and things," he lamented. "We've lost all connection as to where meat comes from - we think it comes from supermarkets and from packets.
"We forget slaughter-houses exist and what they're there for - and to my shame, I eat meat. It's a big problem with me." Nana quipped: "If you're going to resolve it, you'd better do it soon!" while he shot back with a quip about being "all talk and no action".
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While he still wrestles with his conscience over eating meat, he is also facing additional heartbreak over who will care for Maggie after his split with Ruth.
The pair were together for 27 years and married for 14 - and they both adore their canine friend, who is thought to have been like a "daughter" to them.
Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong experienced the same devastating situation when their childless marriage ended, as Ant had admitted they too both saw the dog as their baby.
A source revealed that, due to her older age, Maggie needs "stability" and that the pair will have to discuss who can give her that.
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"Eamonn adores her and Maggie’s been such a support during his health woes. The thought of giving her up is heartbreaking to him," they told The Sun.
However, Eamonn has suffered mobility struggles over the years, whereas Ruth might be "able to get out and about and walk her more".
The source continued: "They are adamant this won’t come to what Ant and Lisa went through and they won’t be getting lawyers involved."
Meanwhile, trophy-winning Eamonn recently made an appearance at the TRIC Awards with the help of a wheelchair.
