Their split last year after 14 years of marriage shocked many, but Ruth Langsford has clearly moved on from the heartache of parting ways with Eamonn Holmes, and is living her best life. Those close to the 64-year-old Loose Women star maintain her concern for Eamonn haven’t simply vanished, however – especially now, as the TV presenter seems to be struggling with poor health, reports OK!.
According to reports, Eamonn has been having increasing health problems at GB News, where he co-hosts the Breakfast slot with Ellie Costello, a source telling a newspaper that he was being 'wheeled in and out of the studio' amid ongoing back problems and mobility issues. The presenter even sparked concern recently by going ‘missing’ from his usual presenting duties one day on the news channel.
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Now, a source claims: “Ruth honestly doesn't talk about Eamonn, she's really moved on from that part of her life. But of course, she does care about him, because they share a child and they were married for a long time.”
The source adds that, despite feeling 'sad' that her former partner is struggling, the presenter is also staying strong and focusing on herself: “She has seen that he is struggling, and it's sad to see anyone in that situation. Of course, she fears for him and doesn't want to think of Eamonn battling with his health - but she has to focus on herself and her own life now.”
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Eamonn has been finding it difficult to walk unaided after having surgery back in 2022 for a slipped disc and a double hip-replacement in 2016. He now relies increasingly on a walking stick, and at times his wheelchair, admitting sadly at the start of the year that he 'may never walk again'.
Despite the events of the last twelve months, it would be a tough situation for anyone to witness – let alone someone who once stood beside the Belfast-born broadcaster through thick and thin, and cared for him personally.
And Ruth had been very open about the realities of being a carer during Eamonn’s health struggles, when the pair lived under the same roof. In a previous interview, she admitted: "It isn't always easy, but if something happens to somebody you love, you help them as much as you can", adding that being a carer could be “testing,” but she and Eamonn took things “day by day.”
Former This Morning presenters Ruth and Eamonn, who married in 2010 after more than a decade together, were loved for their on-screen chemistry - but, away from the spotlight, appeared just as united – raising their son Jack, now 23, and supporting each other through the highs and lows.
Now, Ruth is quite rightly focused on her own path, continuing her work on Loose Women and moving forward with her head held high. Last month, as a source claimed to New that the star was still wearing her wedding ring as she is 'coming to terms with a long relationship ending' and the former couple continue to debate their divorce settlement.
Meanwhile, Eamonn, 64, has found new love with relationship counsellor and divorced mother-of-three Katie Alexander, who he was pictured with last week as they watched Katie's eldest son play in an amateur cup final in Wakefield.
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And, while Ruth is no doubt trying to protect her own peace during this next chapter of her life, seeing someone she once loved face serious health concerns, while also watching him move on romantically – is likely to stir up a complicated mix of emotions.
Indeed, Lovehoney’s relationship expert Annabelle Knight believes it's only natural for Ruth to still feel concern toward Eamonn. “The truth is, you can’t stop loving someone, or even simply caring about them, overnight, and you can’t delete the memories from your mind as easily as you can from your phone!", she says.
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"Especially when you have shared years of your life with someone, in sickness and in health, you become completely connected through the bad times, and the good. It’s perfectly normal, and very valid, to feel a range of feelings, like sadness, yearning, euphoria, excitement, despair... But if you’re an empathetic person, you’ll likely not only feel that for yourself, but also for the one you’ve loved in the past.”
She adds: “It is absolutely possible to become trauma bonded to a partner who you have cared for throughout their illness. A trauma bond can easily form when either one or both people are under extreme stress or emotional distress, and in this case, it may become extremely hard to emotionally detach from your ex-partner.
"When you are in the routine of giving so much care, attention and worry to someone else, it’s impossible to switch this off, even following the breakdown of the relationship. It’s to be expected that one would remain emotionally attached to, and still worry about, their previous partner, especially if their health may continue to deteriorate."
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While glam Ruth is clearly embracing the single life and shining in her own career - as well as enjoying the support of close friends such as Lizzie Cundy and Rylan, and hitting the town for some fun nights with them, our source claims she remains all too aware of how much her ex has already endured health-wise.
“Ultimately, you’re allowed to show yourself grace, and recognise that while the split may be the best for your future self, you’re an empathetic person full of compassion for others – and your ex is no exception,” Annabelle explains.
“While it may feel like an emotional rollercoaster, you’re allowed to feel the whole range of emotions simultaneously, if anything, you’re showing up as your true self who is empathetic, understanding, and compassionate, even under difficult circumstances.”
