Ruth Langsford has revealed that therapy became the "best thing she has ever done" after descending into a "dark place" following her separation from husband Eamonn Holmes. The former couple, who share a son named Jack, parted ways in May 2024 after fourteen years of marriage.
Opening Up on BBC Radio 2
Now, the Loose Women star, aged 65, has candidly discussed turning to professional counselling to help her through this challenging period. Speaking to Rylan Clark on BBC Radio 2, she explained: "I've had counselling and it's the best thing I ever did."
Ruth detailed how a friend persistently encouraged her to seek help, noting: "All the situations and other things have come up and that was through a friend of mine who said, 'Would you please maybe think about seeing my counsellor?' She had helped her through a very difficult divorce."
Initial Reluctance and Breakthrough
Initially resistant, Ruth admitted: "And I went, 'I don't need to see a counsellor, to tell me I'm sad'. She was like, 'Honestly it's so much more than that'." She continued: "Anyway, she pecked my head for so long. Eventually I said yes to shut her up, to be honest. I went, 'Fine ok'. It's the best thing I ever did and I'm still doing it."
She highlighted the distinct role of a therapist compared to friends: "With your friends they're always on your side really and they will stand by you whatever decisions you make or however you're feeling, they'll hold you up. A counsellor is very different, they look at the bigger picture, they don't know you and they never tell you what to do. She's never told me what to do, she's just guided me to think in different ways about things."
Finding Light in Darkness
Ruth shared a pivotal piece of advice from her counsellor: "Lots of people have picked up on this saying that she said to me, which was, 'Find your light'. Everything felt so dark and she said, 'Just use that energy that you're feeling anger and sadness, try and bring that energy here and find your light'."
Emotional Return to This Morning
This revelation follows Ruth's emotional return to This Morning last Monday, where she opened up about the "hardest thing" regarding their split. The star returned to the sofa to chat with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard about her new book, Feeling Fabulous.
Ruth, who previously presented the ITV show every Friday alongside Eamonn between 2006 and 2021, addressed the public nature of their breakup. Ben pointed out: "You talk about your heartbreak as well, of course, your relationship which broke down, which was such a public relationship."
Ruth responded: "Listen, here I am in the studio where Eamonn and I worked together for many, many years. And very happy. Not everything lasts forever, you know, the hardest thing is having it played out in the public domain. And that just goes with the territory, that just goes with the job. I accept that."
She emphasised her focus on recovery: "Again, it's more, I don't discuss our divorce, our relationship breakup, what I do discuss is picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting all over again, as the song says."
Announcement and Aftermath
In 2024, the couple confirmed their split through a spokesman: "Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing." Eamonn and Ruth, who wed in 2010 after thirteen years together, stated they were "determined to stay friends and keep things amicable".
Personal Insecurities and Moving On
Earlier this month, Ruth opened up about her nerves regarding intimacy with a new partner. Her co-star Nadia Sawalha admitted she would need the lights off before considering intimacy, prompting Ruth to share her own insecurities: "I don’t think I’m a lights off girl, but I would certainly be anxious about a new partner and intimacy."
She added: "Like being naked... I wouldn’t just be like taking it all off." Ruth is thought to have remained single since her highly publicised split from Eamonn, aged 66, after twenty-seven years together and fourteen years of marriage.
In contrast, Eamonn has moved on, striking up a relationship with relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, aged 44, who is twenty-two years his junior.
