In a gesture of seasonal goodwill, broadcaster Eamonn Holmes has publicly extended an olive branch to his ex-wife and former on-screen partner, Ruth Langsford. Holmes, 66, stated he wishes Langsford "all the best" in a Christmas message, marking one of their first public exchanges since their separation was confirmed in June 2024.
A Public Peace Offering After a Private Split
The pair, who were together for 27 years and married for 14 of them, have largely remained silent about each other following the end of their relationship. The split concluded a professional and personal partnership that saw them co-host ITV's This Morning for a decade until 2021.
Speaking at last Friday's TRIC Awards, Holmes made his conciliatory comments clear. "I wish Ruth all the best, she deserves it," he told The Sun, framing it as a peace offering. He also revealed his immediate festive plans, confirming, "I'm going to be with Katie this Christmas."
Katie Alexander is a relationship counsellor, 44, whom Holmes began dating soon after the separation. The presenter confirmed he has no plans to leave the UK for the holidays but hinted he might consider it in future years.
Moving Forward on Separate Paths
While Holmes has moved on with a new partner, Ruth Langsford, 65, has taken a different path to healing. The Loose Women star has remained single and has been open about seeking professional support to navigate the end of her long-term marriage.
In a candid interview with woman&home, Langsford explained, "I started counselling when Eamonn and I separated, and I'm still having it." She described the process as "very powerful and very useful," providing her with tools to deal with her emotions. "The end of a very long relationship takes a lot of unravelling. Counselling helps you move on from it, to not be held back," she added.
Despite the initial pain, Langsford is optimistic about her future. "I definitely see light in the future where I didn't before," she shared, defiantly stating, "Oh no, not I. I will survive."
Ongoing Practical and Financial Settlements
Beneath the public messages of goodwill, practical matters from the separation remain unresolved. The couple, who share a 23-year-old son named Jack, are yet to officially divorce and are reportedly in dispute over financial arrangements, including the sale of their marital home.
Meanwhile, Eamonn Holmes is facing his own challenges, stating he has been 'ruined' by HMRC over a dispute concerning his employment status during his time at ITV between 2011 and 2015. On a personal health front, he is also preparing to undergo a revolutionary pig cell treatment, which he hopes will restore movement to his legs, allowing him to walk in the park with his frame and crutches.
The separation followed reports that Langsford had grown weary of a caregiver role after Holmes's hip operation, though it was later revealed he was in a relationship with Alexander, whom he had met years prior. There is no suggestion of infidelity during the marriage.
