Eamonn Holmes recalls final meeting with Sinead O'Connor in touching tribute to singer
Ellie Costello and Eamonn Holmes pay tribute to Sinead O'Connor
GB NEWS
Sinead O'Connor's family issued a brief statement on Wednesday evening announcing the news the singer had died.
The news prompted floods of tributes from across the globe and GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes had nothing but fond memories of his interactions with the singer in years gone by.
Speaking on Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel on Thursday morning, Holmes and Ellie Costello discussed the tragic news.
After a clip of O'Connor's hit Nothing Compares 2 U played on-screen, a choked-up Holmes said: "Well me and Ellie were sitting here hypnotised by that period in her life.
"And the images on the front of many of the newspapers today (show) just how beautiful she was.
"And not just beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside," Holmes added before he said: "A troubled soul, a very troubled soul."
Ellie Phillips spoke to Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello
GB NEWS
Holmes then welcomed showbiz reporter Ellie Phillips onto the show to provide more information about the singer's death.
Phillips discussed how O'Connor shot to worldwide fame following the release of Nothing Compares 2 U and described her as an "artist" which prompted Holmes to weigh back in.
"You sort of hit it on the head there when you said she was one of the first artists," Holmes said. "Because that was the thing...
"You know, she was a square peg in a round hole in the fact that initially with the big breakthrough songs and whatever, she was treated like a popstar.
"But she wasn't a popstar, she didn't want to be a popstar. She was an artist, she was a musician and had a message to give."
Phillips agreed before she reeled off the number of causes and protests the outspoken singer stood by during her life and career.
As the discussion drew to a close, Holmes reflected on his last personal interaction with O'Connor.
"You knew Sinead O'Connor, didn't you?" Costello asked as Holmes reminisced.
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Sinead O'Connor died at the age of 56
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Adding to his tribute, Holmes revealed: "Obviously I met her a few times...
"And ironically the last time I met her I was presenting - people might smile at this if you know her relationship with the catholic religion, of course she was Islamic at one stage as well.
"But the last time I worked with her on Songs of Praise as it turns out and that was what, maybe 15 years ago or so."
Holmes wasn't alone in paying tribute to the late singer as the likes of Bryan Adams, Russell Crowe and many other famous faces have shared their condolences.
O'Connor's family said in a statement: "“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad.
"Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
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