Ruth Langsford is reportedly eager to “protect” her ex-husband Eamonn Holmes amid increasing fears for his fragile health. GB News presenter Holmes, 66, has been in hospital since his stroke in April, when he was found “slumped and out cold” at his Surrey apartment.
The pair split in 2024 after 27 years together, but Langsford is believed to have put their divorce battle behind them and has reportedly been caring for him in hospital. The former Loose Women presenter, 66, is “desperately concerned” about her former husband’s wellbeing, and her focus has shifted to his recovery, sources claimed.
Sources describe a shift from conflict to concern
“Ruth feels bound by duty to be there for Eamonn as he goes through his health battle. It all feels very conflicting for her,” a source told Heat magazine.
“She really thinks now is not the time for war; it’s a time for peace and building bridges. Ruth is very conscious of Eamonn’s health. That makes the whole situation even sadder.”
The insider went on: “Ruth is still his wife and can’t even begin to imagine life without him in it. She is desperately concerned for Eamonn and just wants to protect him. She wishes things had been different.”
Holmes 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. The Standard has contacted Langsford’s representative for comment.
Langsford at “breaking point” after loss of dog Maggie
The latest reports come after it was claimed Langsford is at “breaking point” as she copes with Holmes’ ill health as well as her grief over her border collie cross Maggie’s death at 16.
“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.
“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.”
The former This Morning presenter broke down in tears on Loose Women as she described losing Maggie.
“It was her time. She was 16, although it doesn’t make it any easier,” she told the other panellists.
“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 alongside first wife and recent health struggles
Last month, 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.
“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.”
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 by his carer at his apartment after having a stroke. 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.
