Eamonn Holmes downed a glass of wine live on air after soldiering through one of the most awkward TV interviews seen in a while with David Cassidy.
The ’70s pop star was appearing via video link on This Morning from his Florida mansion when he became offended by Eamonn and wife Ruth Langsford’s questions about his bankruptcy.
Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford and David Cassidy (ITV)
The segment was about David auctioning his home, but he seemed to take offence at Eamonn’s question about whether that meant he could now pay off his debts.
“Are you trying to rubbish me?” he demanded of Eamonn. “When you declare bankruptcy in this country, it’s something you do in order to reorganise what you have, your assets, so I’m not going to discuss that."
Ruth’s comforting words that he’d been through a lot were met with the retort: “Yes, I have, and I still have fantastic assets.”
But the uncomfortable chat didn’t end there. When Ruth asked if he was glad to have the support of his fans after such a difficult journey, David snapped: “Don’t interrupt me,” telling her to 'wait' nine times in a row, when she voiced her agreement with him.
David Cassidy (Joel Ryan/PA)
David’s attitude may have been influenced by the technical difficulties he was experiencing. “What’s difficult for me with this transaction that we’re doing here is that I hear echoes and it’s very difficult to concentrate,” he said.
Ruth continued the conversation by asking if he would be touring the UK soon.
“Probably not,” said David. “The problem is there is a 20 per cent foreign entertainer’s tax and with everything else that it costs to go there... No, I don’t think so. I’d love to, but I ended up making $630 last time I went there, so it didn’t make a lot of sense.”
His fans, he maintained, have been 'incredible' and 'sensational'.
“I guess I’ll have to do it, just via the internet,” he said.
'My fans are incredible and I love them' David Cassidy tells us from his home he's had to put up for auction #DavidCassidy
— This Morning (@itvthismorning) September 11, 2015
Concluding the interview, Eamonn asked if he was sad to sell the plush mansion seen in the background, which Cassidy is auctioning for $1.8 million.
“It had nothing to do with declaring bankruptcy, that was a totally separate issue. I’m doing it because I’m in the middle of a divorce,” he replied.
The two presenters looked completely baffled by the whole situation once the video link ended. And Eamonn took the chance to compare Cassidy’s situation to the good fortunes of his 70s rival Donny Osmond.
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes present This Morning (ITV)
“David’s going through more than [a divorce], he’s been arrested three times for being drunk under the influence,” he said to Ruth.
He then apologised to viewers, and said: “Folks, we only ask the questions, it’s up to them to answer them.”
Later in the show, Eamonn reached for a stiff drink, downing an entire glass of red wine live on air while telling his wife: “My darling, as you know, I don’t drink. Today I’m going to make an exception. David Cassidy, here’s to you!”
Eamonn later took to Twitter to voice his feelings over the interview.
After #ThisMorning interview with us , if #DavidCassidy isn't in #CBB next year they r missing out on his delusion & rudeness! Perfect combo
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) September 11, 2015
He followed this by tweeting that Cassidy had stolen the crown of his worst interviewee.
Just when I thought my #DavidBlaine i/view could never be topped along comes another David to steal the Crown – #DavidCassidy #ThisMorning
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) September 11, 2015
David Cassidy beat David Blaine to most awkward interview (Myung Jung Kim/PA)
