Ruth Langsford's Emotional Return to This Morning After Divorce
Ruth Langsford made an emotional return to the This Morning sofa on Monday, marking her first appearance on the ITV show since her divorce from Eamonn Holmes. The 65-year-old television presenter opened up about the 'hardest thing' regarding their highly publicised split during a candid chat with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard.
Reflecting on a Public Breakup
During the segment, which promoted her new book Feeling Fabulous, Langsford addressed the challenges of navigating personal heartbreak in the public eye. "The hardest thing is having it played out in the public domain," she confessed, acknowledging that such scrutiny comes with the territory of her profession. She emphasised her focus on resilience, stating, "I discuss picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting all over again."
Langsford and Holmes, who share a son named Jack, shocked fans in 2024 by announcing their separation after 14 years of marriage. The pair had been regular Friday hosts on This Morning from 2006 until 2021, when they were replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary.
Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
The conversation also touched on deeper personal struggles, including the death of Langsford's sister Julia in 2019. She revealed how therapy and a close-knit group of girlfriends have been instrumental in her healing process. "Therapy is different. Girlfriends are always on your side. They let you cry," she explained, noting that a therapist offers objective guidance to help "find your light in your darkest moments."
Langsford admitted that she had previously been approached to write a book but felt she now had more meaningful experiences to share, particularly regarding overcoming adversity.
Life After the Split
Since the divorce, Langsford has continued to present ITV's Loose Women, while Holmes joined GB News. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed their split earlier this year, stating they are "determined to stay friends and keep things amicable." However, their paths have diverged personally; Langsford is thought to have remained single, while Holmes has moved on with relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, who is 22 years his junior.
In a recent revelation, Langsford shared her insecurities about future intimacy, telling co-star Nadia Sawalha that she would feel "anxious about a new partner and intimacy," particularly regarding being naked with someone new.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
