Ruth Langsford is reportedly in emotional turmoil following the death of her beloved dog Maggie and her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes' ongoing health issues. The Loose Women presenter broke down in tears last week as she revealed that her border collie cross had died aged 16. She had adopted the dog alongside Holmes from a Dogs Trust rescue centre in 2011.
Sources said Langsford, 66, is "at breaking point" as she tries to cope with her grief as well as her "fractured" relationship with Holmes, who has been in hospital since his stroke in April. The pair split in 2024 after 27 years together, but Langsford is believed to have put their bitter divorce battle aside and has reportedly been caring for the GB News presenter in hospital.
Shared Custody of Beloved Pet
They "shared custody" of their pet Maggie, but Langsford was left doing "all the hard stuff" due to Holmes' physical restrictions. "It's no secret that Ruth has been through a lot and has had a really difficult time. She has been trying to hold it together but losing Maggie was the final straw," a source told The Sun.
The insider went on: "There is a lot going on behind closed doors and Ruth has found herself having to navigate tricky situations when it comes to her fractured relationship with ex Eamonn. It's not been easy for Ruth having to make decisions about Maggie while Eamonn is unwell. He has been adamant about certain things and she doesn't want to upset him, but has to look out for herself as well."
Their friends worry Maggie's death could "cause real friction" between them, according to the outlet. The Standard has contacted Langsford's representative for comment.
Emotional Tribute on Loose Women
The former This Morning presenter cried as she described losing Maggie during an appearance on Loose Women. "It was her time. She was 16, although it doesn't make it any easier," she told the other panellists. "When people who have had pets in the past say to you, 'You'll just know.' And I just knew. She got a bronchial infection, very quickly, we were with her at the end. It was very sad but it was very peaceful.
"Jack [her son] got home… I believe Maggie waited for him, I really do … She knew it was him and she licked his face. I'm so glad we were all there. It's heartbreaking. We're very thankful that we had her for so long. We rescued her. We know that we don't have them forever and it's very hard to accept. I just think we're very lucky to have them as long as we do."
The presenter added that she did not plan on telling her 94-year-old mother Joan, who has dementia, about Maggie's death to save her from further heartache.
Care for Holmes in Hospital
Last week, it was claimed Langsford has been looking after Holmes in hospital for the past few months alongside his first wife, Gabrielle Holmes, with whom he has three children. The pair have reportedly bonded over their "serious concerns" about "vulnerable" Holmes' wellbeing.
"For a long time Eamonn and Ruth have just been completely and entirely at odds with one another," a source told The Mail. "They reached a point where they couldn't even communicate directly. Things became very difficult. Ruth was really upset about it all. It's astonishing that she's managed to put this behind her. The anger appears to have thawed and has been replaced by genuine concern. The thought of Ruth and Gabrielle being on good terms was just as unlikely. Yet here they all are clubbing together and rallying around with the kids to protect Eamonn."
The source added that Langsford and Gabrielle have "come through when Eamonn needed them most," and said their support has eased some of the "pressure" off of Holmes' children.
Divorce Battle and Health Struggles
Holmes, 66, and Langsford are believed to be due in court again in November over the division of their joint £10 million fortune, but it is not known whether this will still go ahead, according to the outlet. It comes after reports that Holmes' girlfriend Katie Alexander has moved out of his rented £1.3 million Surrey flat, which he has been renting since his split from Langsford.
Holmes' close circle reportedly believe the relationship counsellor could be with him for his "money and fame" and have allegedly left her "out in the cold". The Standard has previously contacted Alexander for comment.
Holmes has been recovering in hospital since he was found "slumped and out cold" by his carer at his apartment. The broadcaster has endured multiple health problems in the past few years. He had a double hip replacement in 2016 and five years later suffered three slipped discs and a dislocated pelvis. He later had spinal surgery, and his ongoing mobility issues mean he now often uses a walker or wheelchair.
