Years before the couple announced their separation in May 2024, Eamonn Holmes made a revealing comment about his marriage to Ruth Langsford, saying: "If my wife loved me the way my dog loves me, I'd be a very happy man." The remark came as he reflected on the comfort provided by the couple's rescue Border Collie cross, Maggie, who later died at the age of 16.
The 2021 Interview About Maggie
In a 2021 interview with The Telegraph, the GB News presenter spoke about the mental health benefits of dog ownership. Addressing Maggie, he said it had advantages even "if it's quite subtle." Holmes also detailed his health struggles at the time, telling the publication: "I've had a lot of illness in the past year. Dislocated two discs, my right leg was very badly damaged, my sciatic nerve – it's been tough. And then I got Covid."
The 66-year-old added that the rescue dog had been a source of consolation: "I like the peace that Maggie brings me." He also spoke about the moral satisfaction of adopting rather than buying a pet: "You cannot but look at an animal you have rescued and think, 'That was the better thing; to adopt, rather than shop.' It gives you a moral contentment. To see it living out in front of you – this good deed you have done."
Maggie's Death Announced
Holmes also touched on self-reliance in the interview, telling the publication: "Part of that is because I've actually realised I'm quite good on my own." The couple later announced the death of Maggie, who was 16 years old. Ruth shared the news on Instagram, writing: "It is with a heavy heart that I tell you our beautiful Maggie has gone to sleep forever. She was 16 years old and sadly this was her time. Her passing was painless and peaceful, and we were with her until the very end."
She added: "We are so thankful to have had her in our lives for 15 years… she gave us so much joy and unconditional love. We will treasure our memories forever. Rest in peace, our beautiful girl."
Ruth's Acceptance After the Split
After the split, Ruth opened up about moving forward and revealed that a therapist told her directly, "Your marriage is over." Reflecting on that moment, she told Fearne Cotton: "Until you accept [it], you're not going to find it easy to move on. Once you accept it and go, 'The fight's over'... You go, 'Oh gosh, yes, it is, isn't it?'"
Although she previously admitted the prospect of divorce left her "broken," Ruth has since said: "I'm quite good on my own." Speaking to Woman and Home magazine, the Loose Women panellist shared: "I'm not delighted my marriage is over, but I've accepted that my marriage is over, so I am trying to now embrace the fact that I'm single and can make choices that are just about me."
